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LETTERS 


OF 


JOHN  CALYIN 


COMPILED  FROM  THE  ORIGINAL  MANUSCRIPTS  AND 
EDITED  WITH  HISTORICAL  NOTES 


BY 

DR.  JULES  BONNET. 

VOL.  III. 

TRANSLATED  PROM  THE  LATIN  AND  PRENCH  LANGUAGES 


BY 

MARCUS  ROBERT  GILCHRIST. 


PHILADELPHIA : 
PRESBYTERIAN    BOARD    OF    PUBLICATION, 

NO.  821  CHESTNUT  STREET. 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1858,  by 
JAMES  DUNLAP,  Treas., 
in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


STEREOTYPED  BT 

JESPER   HARDING   &   SON, 

INQUIRER  BUILDING,  SOUTH   THIRD    STREET,   PHILADELPHIA. 


CONTENTS. 


1554. 

PACTS 

"cCCXL.  To  Yiret.— Consolations  and  encouragements— election  of 

the  New  Syndics  at  Geneva,    .  •  •  •     lo 

CCCXLI.  To  Ambrose  Blacker. -Friendly  complaints   respecting 

the  silence  of  Blaurer— despatch  of  several  writings,    .    16 
CCCXLH.  To    Bellinger.— Reconciliation    of    parties— apparent 
tranquillity  of  the  republic— announces  the  book  against 
the  errors  of  Servetus,  •  •  •  ■ 

CCCXLHI  To  a  Seignecr  of  Piedmont.— He  exhorts  him  to  per- 
severance in  the  faith,  in  giving  his  children  a  christian 
education,         .  •  •  ■  '  ' 

CCCXLIY.  To  the  Brethren-  of  Orbe.— Vows  and  counsels  for  the 
establishment  of  religious  unity  in  their  city  by  the 
abolition  of  the  Catholic  worship, 
CCCXLV.  To   Viket.— Recommendation   of    several    English   and 
Scotch  refugees,  •  ' 

CCCXLVI  To  the  Brethren  of  Wezel.— Entreaty  not  to  break 
the  unity  of  the  Church  because  of  some  diversities  in. 
the  ceremonies,  ...••• 

CCCXLVII  To  Bcllinger.— Recommendation  of  two  English  refugees 
—state  of  parties  at  Geneva— fresh  persecutions  in 
France— military  movements  of  Henry  II.— thanks  for 
a  work  sent  him— publication  at  Bale  of  a  pamphlet 
on  the  repression  of  heresy  by  the  sword  of  the  magis- 
trate— divers  salutations,  . 
CCCXLVHI  To  Bclu>-gek.— Explanations  respecting  the  book  against 
the  errors  of  Servetus— answers  to  three  questions  of 

Knox.  .••••' 
CCCXLIX.  To  Farel.— Gloomy  prospects  of  Geneva— foreign  news 
—ultra-Lutheran  intolerance  in  Germany, 
CCCL   To  John  Laskt.— Expression  of  sympathy  under  his  trials 
—loud  complaints  of  the  intolerance  of  the  German 

theologians,      . 

CCCLI    To  the  Brethren  of  PoiTor.-Christian  exhortations- 
instructions  relative  to  the  use  of  the  Sacraments,        .     43 

(3) 


21 

24 
28 

29 


32 

35 
39 

40 


CONTENTS. 


LETTER  PAGB 

CCOLII.  To  Madame  de  Cany. — He  urges  her  to  quit  the  spiritual 
bondage  in  which  she  is  held  captive,  by  withdrawing 
to  Geneva,        .  .  .  .  .  .45 

CCCLIII.  To  Charles  Dumoulin. — Congratulation  on  the  subject 
of  the  chair  obtained  by  Dumoulin  in  the  University  of 
Tubingen — eulogium  of  Melchior  Wolmar — sage  coun- 
sels,     .  .  .  .  .  .  .47 

CCCLIV.  To  the  Duchess  of  Ferrara. — He  sends  to  her  a  minister 
to  support  her  amid  the  persecutions  which  she  endures 
for  the  cause  of  truth,  .  .  .  .  .50 

CCCLV.  To  Sulzer. — Kevival  of  the   Sacramentarian   quarrel — 
complaints  against  Castalio — vindication  of  the  exiles 
settled  at  Geneva,         .  .  .  .  .52 

CCCLYI.  To  Doctor  Marbach. — Defence  of  the  French  Church  of 
Strasbourg — explications  on  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
Supper — appeal  to  the  memory  of  Luther,  Capito,  and 
Bucer — offers  to  repair  to  Strasbourg  in  order  to  ap- 
pease there  the  religious  dissensions,     .  .  .54 

CCCLVII.  To  John  Sleidan. — Marks  of  fraternal  confidence — blame 
pronounced  on  Melanchthon — persecutions  in  France 
and  Italy,         .  .  .  .  .  .57 

CCCLVIII.  To  Peter  Martyr. — He  engages  him  to  defend  the  sound 
doctrine  on  the  question  of  the  Sacraments,  and  gives 
him  an  account  of  the  steps  he  has  taken  in  favour  of 
the  French  Church  at  Strasbourg,       .  .  .59 

CCCLIX.  To  Melanchthon. — He  deplores  the  silence  of  Melanch- 
thon, and  urges  him  to  apply  himself  to  the  contro- 
verted questions  of  Election  and  the  Lord's  Supper,     .     61 
CCCLX.  To  Perucel. — Counsels  to  the  Church  of  Wezel  respect- 
ing the  ceremonies,      .  .  .  ■  .64 
CCCLXI.  To  Valeran  Poulain. — Counsels  for  the  direction  of  the 

French  church  at  Frankfort,   .  .  .  .65 

CCCLXII.  To  Gaspar  Liser. — Influence  of  the  writings  of  Calvin  in 

Germany — instructions  relative  to  discipline,    .  .     66 

CCCLXHI.  To  the  Brethren  of  Poitou. — Double  duty  to  assemble 
together  in  holy  meetings,  and  to  profess  publicly  the 
gospel,  .  .  .  •  .  .68 

CCCLXIV.  To  a  Gentleman  of   Provence. — Explanations  on   the 

subject  of  Baptism,     .  .  .  .  .71 

CCCLXV.  To  Blxlinger. — Defence  of  the  Consensus — attacks  of  the 

Bernese  clergy  on  Calvin,        .  .  .  .74 

CCCLXVI.  To  the  Seigneurs  of  Berne. — Complaints  on  the  subject 
of  the  invectives  pronounced  by  several  Bernese  minis- 
ters against  the  clergy  of  Geneva,        .  .  .75 


CONTEXTS. 


LETTER  PAGE 

CCCLXVII.  To  the  Swiss  Churches. — Defence  of  the  Consensus  and 

refutation  of  a  tract  of  Joachim  Westphal,       .  .     79 

OCCLXYIII.  To  Johx  Paule. — Instruction  relating  to  the  manner  of 

conferring  Baptism,    .  .  .  .  .86 

CCCLXLX.  To  Farel. — Opinion  of  the  Swiss  Churches  with  regard 
to  the  Consensus — sad  news  from  Ferrara — arrival  of 
a  new  member  of  the  family  of  Budo  at  Geneva,  .     87 

CCCLXX.  To  the  Pastors  of  Zurich. — Some  explications  on  the 
subject  of  corrections  proposed  for  the  defence  of  the 
Consensus,        .  .  .  .  .  .89 

CCCLXXI.  To  Lord  John  Grey. — Proofs  of  sympathy  and  affection 
for  the  family  of  that  nobleman  so  painfully  tried — re- 
commendation of  Emanuel  Tremelli  of  Ferrara,  .     94 

CCCLXXII.  To  Bullixger. — Xew  explanations  on  the  subject  of  the 

Consensus,       .  .  .  .  .  .96 

CCCLXXTJJ.  To  Peter  Martyr. — He  sends  him  a  copy  of  the  defence 

of  the  Consensus,        .  .  .  .  .98 

CCCLXXIY.  To  the  Kixg  of  Polaxd.— The  Reform  of  the  Church 
the  first  duty  of  the  sovereign — refutation  of  the  double 
doctrine  of  the  supremacy  of  the  Roman  Pontiffs  and 
of  Episcopal  succession — necessity  of  putting  an  end 
to  abuses  by  bringing  back  the  church  to  purity 
of  doctrine,  and  the  priesthood  to  its  legitimate  func- 
tions, .  .  .  .  .  .  .99 

CCCLXXV.  To  Wolf. — Approbation  of  the  projects  of  Lismannini — 

struggles  at  Geneva,    .....  109 

CCCLXXYI.  To  Bullixger. — Wishes  for  the  successful  accomplish- 
ment of  Lismannini's  mission  to  Poland — printing  of 
the  book  against  Westphal  and  apologies  on  that  sub- 
ject,    .  .  .  .  .  .  .110 

CCCLXXVII.  To  Madame  Aqhbs  de  Microw. — He  congratulates  her 
on  having  sent  her  children  to  Zurich  where  they  will 
receive  a  Christian  education,  ....  112 

1555. 

CCCLXXYTn.  To  Bullixger.— Dispatch  to  the  Swiss  Churches  of  a 
circular  letter  concerning  the  controversy  with  West- 
phal— defence  of  the  Protestants  of  Locarno,  .  .  114 

CCCLXXLX.  To  the  Ministers  of  Strasbourg. — Marks  of  fraternal 

affection — explanation  respecting  the  Sacrament,        .  116 
CCCLXXX.  To  the  English  at  Fraxkfort. — He  exhorts  them  to 
make  in  their  liturgy  all  the  changes  compatible  with 
the  maintenance  of  union  and  the  peace  of  their  Church. .  117 

CCCLXXXI.  To  Charles  Pumoulix  — He  encourages  him  to  prolong 
his  stay  in  Germany,  and  expresses  his  desire  that  he 
may  there  be  speedily  joined  by  his  wife,        .  .  119 


CONTENTS. 


LETTER  PAGE 

CCCLXXXII.  To  Peter  Martyr. — He  returns  to  the  question  of  the 
Sacraments — remarkable  judgment  respecting  Bucer 
— complaints  against  John  Laski  and  Melanchthon — 
call  addressed  to  Martyr  by  the  Italian  congregation 
of  Geneva,     ......  121 

CCCLXXXni.  To  the  Church  of  Paris. — Christian  exhortations — 

announces  the  sending  of  a  pastor,     .  .  .  127 

CCCLXXXTV.  To  the  Duchess  of  Ferrara. — He  exhorts  her  to 

make  a  courageous  display  of  her  faith  in  persecution,  .  129 
CCCLXXXY.  To  Bulijxger. — Congratulations  and  thanks  on  the 
subject  of  the  Christian  hospitality  offered  to  the  refu- 
gees of  Locarno,         .  .  .  •  .131 
CCCLXXXYL  To    Bullixger. — Recommendation   of    Francis    Lis- 

mannini,  who  was  on  his  way  to  Poland,        .  .  132 

CCCLXXXVII.  To  Nicholas  Radztwill. — He  exhorts  him  to  make 
the  most  strenuous  efforts  for  the  complete  reformation 

of  Poland, 133 

CCCLXXX  V  HI.  To  the   Lords  of  Berxe. — New  complaints  against 

some  Bernese  ministers,  .  .  .  .136 

CCCLXXXLX.  To  the  Church  of  Poitiers. — Answer  to  the  accusa- 
tions brought  forward  by  M.  de  la  Yau.  a  disciple  of 
Castalion,  against  the  Church  of  Geneva — mention  of 
the  book  de  Hereticis — eulogy  of  the  exiles  of  England 
and  Locarno — divers  particulars,       .  .  .138 

CCCXC.  To  Bullixger. — New  difficulties  stirred  up  against  the 
ministers  of  Geneva,  by  the  attacks  of  the  clergy  of 
Berne,  ......  151 

CCCXCI.  To  Francis  Unhard. — He  apologizes  for  differing  from 
Luther  in  claiming  the  rights  of  Christian  liberty — 
dedication  of  one  of  his  writings  to  the  Princes  of 
Saxony,         ......  153 

CCCXCII.  To  Valentin  Paceus. — Description  of  the  tribulations 
of  all  kinds  by  which  he  is  beset  at  Geneva — wishes 
for  the  reconciliation  of  the  churches,  .  .  155 

CCCXCni.  To  Melaxchthox. — Thanks  him  for  his  approbation 
of  the  condemnation  of  Servetus — urgent  entreaties  to 
determine  Melanchthon  to  pronounce  with  more  firm- 
ness in  the  question  of  the  sacraments,  .  .157 
CCCXCTT.  To  Martin  Sidemaxx. — Uo  congratulate?  him  on  his 
moderation  in  the  midst  of  the  theological  fury  of  Ger- 
many— comparison  of  Luther  with  his  disciples,  .  159 
CCCXCY.  To  mE  Seigneurs  of  Berxe. — Statement  vindicating 
the  reforms  introduced  into  the  Church  of  Geneva, 
and  complaints  against  several  of  tlie  ministers  of 
Berne,            ......  160 


CONTENTS.  7 

LETTER  PAOK 

CCCXCVI.  To   Bullixger. — Account  of  a  journey   of  Calvin's   to 

Berne,  and  of  the  false  accusations  directed  against  him,    .  169 
CCCXCVII.  To  the  Pastoks  of  Berne. — He  urges  them  warmly  to 
take  part  with  him  iu  the  struggle  which  he  is  maintain- 
ing for  the  liberty  of  the  ministry  and  the  preaching  of 
sound  doctrine,    ......  171 

CCCXCVM.  To  the  Seigneurs  of  Berxe. — Respectful   protestations 
against  the  sentence  pronounced  by  the  Seigneurs  of  Berne 
— defence    of    the  Institution    Chretienne  —  complaints 
against  the  ministers  who  pursue  him  with  their  calum- 
nies, .......  176 

CCCXCIX.  To  Farel. — Increased   hostility  at  Geneva   and   in   the 
neighbouring  countries  against  the  writings  and  person  of 
the  Reformer,      ......  181 

CCCC.  To  Adolph  Clauburger. — Testimonies  of  gratitude  and 

respect  for  the  Senate  of  Frankfort,        .  .  .  182 

CCCCI.  To  John  Clauburger — Dedication  of  a  writing  to  the 

Senate  at  Frankfort,        .....  184 

CCOCII.  To  Bullixger. — Defeat  of  the  party  of  the  Libertins  at 
Geneva — answer  of  the  Swiss  churches  to  the  defence  of 
the  Consensus,    ......  185 

CCCCIII.  To  the  Duchess  of  Ferrara. — New  exhortations  to  en- 
courage her  to  shew  herself  more  and  more  firm  in  the  pro- 
fession of  the  truth,  .....  187 

CCCCIV.  To  Johx  Kxox. — Criticism  of  the  Anglican  Liturgy — pru- 
dent counsels  addressed  to  the  parties  which  divide  the 
foreign  Church  of  Frankfort,       ....  189 

CCCCV.  To  Bullixger. — Account  of  the  nocturnal  riot  excited  by 
the  Libertins  at  Geneva — defeat  and  total  dispersion  of 
that  party,  .  .  .  .  .  .192 

CCCCVI.  To  the  Seigxeurs  of  Berxe. — Communication  relative 

to  a  spy  arrested  at  Geneva,        ....  202 

CCCCYII.  To  Farel. — Trial  and  condemnation  of  the  principal  Liber- 
tins,       .  .  .  .  .  .  .204 

CCCCVIII.  To  Farel. — New  details  respecting  the  trial  of  the  Liber- 
tins— pious   fidelity  of  the  five  ministers   in  prison  at 
Chambery,  ......  205 

CCCCIX.  To  Bullixger. — Answer  to  different  calumnies  directed 
against  Calvin  on  the  occasion  of  the  trial  of  the  Libertins 
— difficulties  raised  by  the  Bernese  on  the  subject  of  the 
renewing  of  their  treaty  of  alliance  with  Geneva,  .  207 

CCCCX.  To    Viret. — He  sends  the  letter  of  the  five  ministers  im- 
prisoned at  Chambery,    .  .  .  .  .217 

CCCCXI.  To  Peter  Martyr.— Fall  of  the  French  Church  of  Stras- 
bourg— grief  of  Calvin,  .....  217 


5  CONTEXTS. 

LETTER  PAGH 

CCCCXII.  To  Melanchthon. — He  exhorts  him  to  prefer  the  appro- 
bation of  God  to  that  of  men,  in  pronouncing  frankly 
against  the  adversaries  of  sound  doctrine  and  the  dis- 
turbers of  the  church,  .....  219 

CCCCXIII.  To  the  five  Prisoners  at  Chambery. — An  account  of 
the  steps  taken  in  their  favour — approbation  of  their 
confession  of  faith — Christian  salutations,  .  .  220 

CCCCXrV".  To  the  Brethren  of  Poitiers. — He  exhorts  them  to 
form  secret  assemblies  under  the  yoke  of  a  holy  disci- 
pline,   .......  223 

CCCCXV.  To  the  Brethren  of  Angers. — Christian  exhortations 

— he  sends  them  a  minister,      ....  225 

CCCCXVI.  To  the  Brethren  of  Loudxjn. — He  sends  them  a  min- 
ister, and  gives  them  counsels  to  guide  them  in  the  diffi- 
cult circumstances  in  which  they  are  placed,     .  .  228 
CCCCXVII.  To  Viret. — News  from  Chambery — enmities  to  which 

Calvin  is  exposed  at  Geneva,    ....  230 

CCCCXV  III.  To  the  Prisoners  of  Chambery. — Last  exhortations  to 

them  before  their  martyrdom,   ....  231 

CCCCXIX.  To  the  Brethren  of  Chambery. — Obligation  to  confess 

the  gospel  in  spite  of  its  adversaries,     .  .  .  233 

CCCCXX.  To    Farel. — Fresh    symptoms   of  the  Sacramentarian 

quarrel — new  tract  of  Westphal  against  Calvin,  .  234 

CCCCXXI.  To  Richard  Vauytlle. — Christian  consolations  on  the 

occasion  of  his  wife's  death,       ....  236 

CCCCXXII.  To  Farel. — Complaints  about  the  conduct  of  Bullinger 
— news  of  Saxony  and  Spain — Poetry  of  Marcourt  in 
praise  of  Calvin,  .....  237 

CCCCXXTJI.  To  Farel. — Lutheranism   and   Reform — Palinodia   of 
Marcourt — wishes  for  the  renewing  of  the  alliance  with 
Berne,  .  .  .  .  .  .239 

CCCCXXrV.  To  the  Church  of  Frankfort. — He  exhorts  the  mem- 
bers of  this  church  to  be  reconciled  to  their  pastor, 
and  not  to  renew  the  ancient  quarrel  of  the  Guelfs  and 
Ghibelines,       .  .  .  .  .  .240 

CCCCXXY.  To  the  King  of  Poland. — He  exhorts  him  to  under- 
take courageously  the  reform  of  his  states,  in  proposing 
to  him  the  example  of  David,  Hezekiah,  and  Josiah,    .  244 


1556. 
CCCCXXYI.  To  Bltllinger. — Last  steps  adopted  to  obtain  the  re- 
newing of  the  alliance  with   Berne — second   writing 
against  Westphal,         ..... 


24'i 


CONTENTS. 


LETTER 

CCCCXXVII. 


CCCCXXVIII. 
CCCCXXFX. 

ccccxxx. 

CCCCXXXI. 

ccccxxxn. 

CCCCXXXIII. 
CCCOXXXIV. 

ccccxxxv. 

CCCCXXXVL 

CCCCXXXYII. 

CCCCXXXYIII. 


CCCCXXXIX. 
2 


To  Nicholas  Zerkixden. — Explanations  on  the  subject 
of  the  difference  between  Berne  and  Geneva — wishes 
for  the  good  intelligence  of  the  republics,      .  .  249 

To  John  Clauburger. — Marks  of  sympathy  on  the  oc- 
casion of  a  family  mourning — attempts  to  bring  back 
peace  to  the  bosom  of  the  French  Church  of  Frank- 
fort, .  .  .  .  .  .252 

To  the  Ministers  of  the  Church  of  Frankfort. — 
He  testifies  the  desire  of  maintaining  with  them  fra- 
ternal relations,  and  invokes  their  protection  in 
favour  of  the  French  Church  established  in  their 
city,  .......  254 

To  the  French  Church  of  Frankfort. — He  exhorts 
the  members  of  this  church  to  make  to  one  another 
mutual  concessions,  and  announces  to  them  a  new 
minister,         ......  257 

To  Yiret  and  Beza. — Call  of  a  minister  to  Paris — 
counsels  addressed  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Pays  de 
Vaud — meution  of  Ochino,   ....  259 

To  the  Church  of  Angers — Counsels  and  exhorta- 
tions to  the  persecuted  Brethren  of  this  church,        .  261 

To  John  Laski — Expresses  a  wish  for  the  assembling 
of  a  conference,  and  the  pacification  of  the  churches 
— judgment  about  Yergerio — progress  of  the  gospel  in 
Poland,         .  .  .  .  .  .265 

To  Bullinger. — Thanks  for  a  volume  which  he  had 
sent  him — the  gospel  in  Austria  and  Bavaria, — 
Yergerio,      .  .  .  .  .  .268 

To  Ambrose  Blaurer. — Malady  of  Calvin — the  send- 
ing off  of  several  writings — explications  on  the  subject 
of  the  conflict  with  Berne,     ....  269 

To  the  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  French  Church 
of  Frankfort. — He  exhort3  them  to  calm  the  oppo- 
sition formed  against  them,  and  to  make  use  of  their 
authority  with  moderation,   ....  271 

To  the  French  Church  of  Frankfort. — Eulogy  of 
the  minister  Olbrac — double  duty  of  respect  and 
charity,         ......  274 

To  John  Clauburger. — Complaints  respecting  the 
sad  condition  of  the  Church  of  Frankfort — answer 
to  an  accusation — refutation  of  the  doctrine  of  the 
damnation  of  children  that  have  not  been  presented 
to  baptism,   ......  278 

To  Bullinger. — Conference  of  Spire — attitude  of  the 
German  Princes — suitableness  of  a  new  colloquy,      .  284 


10  CONTENTS. 

LETTER  PAGE 

CCCCXL.  To  Bullinger. — He  invokes  the  officious  intervention 
of  Bullinger  with  the  magistrates  of  Zurich,  in  order 
to  put  them  on  their  guard  against  the  intrigues  of  the 
fugitive  Libertius,         .....  286 

CCCCXLT.  To  Bodolph  Gualter. — Becommeudation  of  a  school- 
boy— destruction  of  the  spire  of  the  church  of  St.  Peter 
at  Geneva,        ......  289 

CCCCXLII.  To  Viret. — Preparations  for  his  departure  for  Frank- 
fort  291 

CCCCXLIII.  To  the  Seigneurs  of  Geneva. — Beports  respecting  the 

proceedings  of  the  Eefugees,     ....  292 

CCCCXLIV.  To  Melanchthon. — Necessity  of  a  conference  to  termi- 
nate the  religious  differences  of  Germany,  .  .  293 
CCCCXLV.  To  Justus  Jonas. — Translation  of  a  writing  of  Calvin's 

— wishes  for  the  pacification  of  theological  discords,    .  295 
CCCCXLVI.  To  the  Ambassadors   of  the  Ligues. — Answer  to  a 

demand  of  the  diet  of  Baden  concerning  the  Befugees,    296 
CCCCXLVII.  To    Bullinger. — New  proceedings  to  bring  about   a 

reconciliation  between  Berne  and  Geneva,        .  .  299 

CCCCXLVIII.  To  Bcllinger. — Becommendation  of  an  Italian  refugee 

— reforms  in  the  Duchy  of  Baden,         .  .  .  301 

CCCCXLIX.  To  the  French  Church  of  Antwerp. — He  apologizes 
for  his  silence,  and  addresses  to  them  christian  exhorta- 
tions,   .  .  .  .  .  .  .302 

CCCCL.  To   the  French  Church  of  Frankfort. — Conditional 

approbation  given  to  the  choice  of  a  new  minister,       .  305 

1557. 

CCCCLI.  To  Viret.— Election  of  a  Pastor  for  the  Church  of  Paris 

— disorders  of  the  wife  of  Anthony  Calvin,       .  .  308 

CCCCLII.  To   the   Seigneury    of   Berne. — Justification   of  the 

measures  adopted  with  regard  to  the  fugitive  Libertins,  309 

CCCCLIII.  To  Peter  Martyr. — A  call  addressed  to  Martyr  in  the 

name  of  the  Italian  Church  of  Geneva,  .  .  313 

CCCCLIV.  To  Farel. — Complaints  about  the  bad  proceedings  of 

the  Seigneurs  of  Berne — domestic  griefs,  .  .  314 

CCCCLV.  To  Bullinger.— Enquiries  concerning   the  sentence   of 

the  arbiters  between  Berne  and  Geneva,  .  .316 

CCCCLVI.  To  the  Nobles  of  Poland— He  apologizes  for  not  being 
able  to  go  into  Poland  in  consequence  of  the  important 
duties  which  detain  him  in  Geneva,       .  .  .  317 

CCCCLVII.  To  the  Church  of  Paris. — He  congratulates  the  mem- 
bers of  this  church  on  their  fidelity,  and  announces  to 
them  two  new  ministers  in  soliciting  a  leave  of  absence 
for  one  of  their  pastors,  .  .  .  .319 


CONTENTS. 


11 


X.ETTFR  PAOK 

CCCCLYIII.  To  Bi-LLTXfiER.— Preliminaries  of  the  assembly  of  Baden,  322 
CCCCLTX.  To   John  Utexhoyex. — Hopes  of  seeing  the  Reform 

make  decisive  progress  in  Poland — eulogy  on  Laski,     .  323 
CCCCLX.  To  the  Count  of  Montbeliard. — Explications  concern- 
ing the  Italian  Antitrinitarian  Matteo  Gribaldi,  .  325 
CCCCLXI.  To  Matthew  Pfarrer. — Congratulates   him  on    being 
re-elected  to  the  functions  of  Burgomaster — expresses 
his  desire  for  the  total  abolition  of  the  Catholic  ceremo- 
nies at  Strasbourg,       .....  328 

CCCCLXII.  To  Conrad  Hubert. — Thanks  him  for  a  private  service 

— ecclesiastical  news — sends  him  a  copy  of  verses,         .  330 
CCCCLXIII.  To    Bullixger.— Mission    of    Theodore    Beza    to   the 
German  Princes  to  demand  the  convocation  of  a  con- 
ference— measures  to  be  adopted  to  insure  its  success,  .  332 
CCCCLXIV.  To  James  Andre. — Differences  of  opinion  respecting  the 

Lord's  Supper,  .....  334 

CCCCLXY.  To  Melaxchthon. — He  complains  of  the  long  silence  of 
Melanchfhon,  in  exhortiDg  him  to  shew  more  firmness 
than  he  has  hitherto  done,         ....  335 

CCCCLX  V I.  To  the  Seigneury  of  Berxe. — Protestations  against  an 

arbitrary  sentence  of  a  Bernese  Bailiff,  .  .  339 

CCCCLX VII.  To  Bullixger. — Theological    labours — explanation    on 
the  subject  of  a  confession  of  faith  presented  by  Theo- 
dore de  Beza — malady  of  Celso  Martinengo,     .  .  344 
CCCCLX V III.  To  the  Seigxeury  of  Berxe. — Demand  to   annul  the 

sentence  of  the  Bailiff  of  Ternier,  .  .  .  346 

CCCCLXIX.  To  the  Ambassadors    of    Gexeva,   deputed   to  the 

Ligues. — An  order  to  repair  with  all  dispatch  to  Baden,  348 
CCCCLXX.  To  William  of  Hesse. — Recommendation  of  a  young 

French  Seigneur  stripped  of  his  property,         .  .  349 

CCCCLXXI.  To  Bullixger. — He  urges  him  to  adhere  to  the  project 
of  the  assembling  of  a  conference — news  of  Geneva 
and  France,     .  .  .  .  .  .  350 

CCCCLXXII.  To  the  Pastors  of  Zurich.— The  second  call  of  Peter 

Martyr  by  the  Italian  Church  of  Geneva,  .     .       .  353 

CCCCLXXTII.  To  Melaxchthox. — Recommendation  of  a  young  French- 
man repairing  to  TTortns — military  and  political  news 
of  France,         ......  355 

CCCCLXXIT.  To  Farel.— The  Marchioness  of  Rothelin  passes  by 
Geneva — triple  message  addressed  to  Melanchthon — 
mission  of  Beza  to  Berne  and  Zurich,    .  .  .357 

CCCCLXXY.  To  the  Church  of  Paris. — Exhortations  to  peace  of 
mind  and  patience  in  persecution — a  minister  sent  to 
them,    .......  359 


12 


CONTENTS. 


LETTEB  PAGE 

CCCCLXXYI.  To  the  "Women  detained  in  prison  at  Paris. — He 
exhorts  them  to  persevere  even  unto  deatb,  holding 
out  to  them  the  example  of  the  martyrs  of  the  old 
and  new  church,      .....  363 
CCCCLXXVII.  To  the  Churches  of  Lausanne,  Moudon,  and  Pat- 
erne. — Collection  in  favour  of  the  Brethren  of  Paris.  367 
CCCCLXXYIII.  To  Farel.— Mission  of  Bude  and  Beza  to  Germany 

— complaints  against  the  Church  of  Zurich,  .  368 

CCCCLXXIX.  To  Bcllixger — An  account  of  Beza's  mission   to 
Worms — new  entreaties  to  determine  the  Church 
of  Zurich  to  take  a  part  in  the  measures  of  the 
Swiss  Churches,      .....  370 
CCCCLXXX.  To  the  King  of  France.— Exposition  of  the  faith  of 

the  Reformed  Churches  in  France,  .  .  372 

CCCCLXXXI.  To    Bullinger. — Persecutions    in  the  Yalleys    of 

Piedmont  and  at  Paris,  ....  377 
CCCCLXXXII.  To  Theodore  Beza. — Ecclesiastical  crisis  in  the 
Pays  de  Vaud — inefficiency  of  the  first  measures 
adopted  in  favour  of  the  French  Protestants,  .  379 
CCCCLXXXIII.  To  Madame  de  Rentigny. — He  fortifies  her  before- 
hand against  the  temptations  which  might  turn  her 
aside  from  courageously  confessing  her  faith,  .  381 

CCCCLXXXrV.  To  the  King  of  Xavarre. — He  lays  before  him  the 
distressing  situation  of  the  brethren  in  France,  and 
begs  him  to  take  in  hand  their  cause  with  the  King 
of  France,  .....  384 

CO  OCT, XXXV.  To  Mademoiselle  de  Longemeau. — He  exhorts  her 

to  glorify  God  by  her  constancy  and  fidelity,  .  389 


CCCCLXXXVI. 

CCCCLXXXVII. 

CCCCLXXXVIH. 

CCCCLXXXIX. 

CCCCXC. 


1558. 

To  the  Church  of  Paris. — Christian  congratulations 
— the  sending  of  two  ministers,       .  .  .  390 

To  the  Church  of  Meaux. — Pious  exhortations — 
the  sending  of  a  minister,    ....  393 

To  the  Church  of  Dieppe. — He  exhorts  them  to 
perseverance,  announcing  to  them  that  a  minister 
is  sent  off  to  them,  ....  395 

To  the  Marchioness  of  Rothelin. — He  exhorts  her 
to  serve  God  faithfully,  in  prosperity  as  well  as  in 
affliction,     .  .  .  .  .  .396 

To  Francis  Othmak. — Ecclesiastical  affairs  of  Ger- 
many— complaiuts  against  Mclanehthon — renewal 
of  the  alliance  between  Berne  and  Geneva,  .  399 


CONTENTS.  13 

LETTER  PAOE 

CCCCXCI.  To  the  Dike  of  Wurtemberg. — Persecutions  in  France 
— refutation  of  the  calumnies  directed  against  the  disci- 
ples of  the  gospel — warm  entreaties  to  decide  the  German 
princes  to  interfere  in  their  favour,         .  .  .400 

CCCCXCII.  To  the  Elector  Palatine. — Apology  for  the  French 
Protestants — urgent  appeal  addressed  to  the  German 
princes  in  their  favour,  ....  405 

CCCCXCIII.  To  Bullixger. — Dissolution  of  the  conference  of  Worms 
— complaints  against  Melanchthon — sad  state  of  the 
brethreu  in  France,      .  .  .  .  .410 

CCCCXCIV.  To  Mercer. — Offer  of  a   professorship  of  Hebrew  at 

Geneva,  .  .  .  .  .  .412 

CCCCXCV.  To  Viret. — He  urges  him  to  resign  his  ministerial  func- 
tions at  Lausanne,  to  come  and  live  at  Geneva,  .  414 
CCCCXCTI.  To  Madame  de  Rextigxy. — He  blames  her  for   her 
weakness,  and  exhorts  her  to  shew  herself  more  cour- 
ageous in  the  confession  of  the  faith,    .            .  .  416 
CCCCXCVII.  To  Moxsieur  d'Axdelot — He  congratulates  him  on  his 
constancy,  and  engages  him  to  persevere  in  the  confes- 
sion of  the  evangelical  faith,    ....  418 

CCCCXCVIII.  To  Peter  Martyr.— Theological  labours— troubles  of 

the  Italian  Church  of  Geneva,   —  .  .421 

CCCCXCIX.  To  the  Kixg  of  Xavarre. — He  urges  him  to  shew  him- 
self the  courageous  protector  of  the  French  Protestants, 
whose  faith  he  shares,  ....  423 

D.  To  Farel. — Matrimonial  informations,  .  .  427 

DI.  To  Nicholas  Zerkixdex. — He  complains  affectionately 
of  Zerkindeivs  hostile  attitude  towards  him,  and  defends 
the  line  of  conduct  he  has  pursued  at  Geneva,  .  423 

DII.  To  the  Couxt  of  Wurtemberg. — He  pleads  with  this 
prince,  the  cause  of  the  ministers  persecuted  as  heretics 
in  his  states,     ......  435 

DHL  To  Moxsieur  d'Axdelot. — Xew  exhortations,  calcula- 
ted to  support  and  strengthen  him  during  his  captivity,  437 
DIY.  To  the  Marquis  de  Tico. — Wishes  for  the  success  of 
this  nobleman's  journey  to  Italy — news  of  Geneva  and 
France — divers  salutations,      ....  440 

DV.  To  the  Duchess  of  Ferrara. — Christian  exhortations 

— answer  to  a  question — news  of  the  Marquis  de  Vico,  447 
DYI.  To  Moxsieur  d'Axdelot. — He  blames  him  for  his  weak- 
ness— and  exhorts  him  to  repair  the  scandal  caused  by 
his  fall,  .  ...  .  .  .  450 

DTH.  To  the  Earl  of  Arrax. — Eulogiums  on  his  attachment 

to  the  gospel,  and  on  his  zeal  to  spread  it,        .  .  453 


14  CONTENTS. 

LETTER  PAGE 

DVIII.  To  Viret. — Blames  the  hesitation  of  Viret — eulogy  of  the 

conduct  of  Theodore  Beza,     .....  456 

DDL  To  John  Garnier. — Ecclesiastical  troubles  at  Lausanne — the 

Inquisition  at  Paris — dispersion  of  the  Church  of  Montbeliard,  459 
DX.  To  Vexceslas  Zeuleger. — Organization  of  the  Academy  of 
Deux  Ponts — letter  of  Melauchthon — progress  of  the  Gospel 
in  France,      .......  461 

DXI.  To  Emmanuel  Tremelli. — Proposes  to  him  a  professor's  chair 

of  the  Hebrew  language  at  Geneva,    ....  464 

DXII.  To  the  Admiral  de  Colignt. — Captivity  of  the  Admiral,  and 
congratulations  on  the  constancy  which  he  displays  in  ad- 
versity, .......  4G5 

DXIII.  To  Madame  de  Coligny. — Utility  of  the  afflictions  dealt  out  to 

the  children  of  God,  .  .  .  .  .468 

DXIV.  To  the  Brethren'  of  Metz. — Measures  proper  to  assure  the 

free  exercise  of  Evangelical  worship  in  their  city,       .  .  470 

DXY.  To  the  Ministers  of  Neuchatel. — He  deplores  the  marriage  of 
Farel,  in  recalling  to  their  minds  the  glorious  services  which 
he  has  rendered  to  the  cause  of  truth,  .  .  .  473 

DXVI.  To  Farel. — He  makes  an  excuse  for  not  being  able  to  be  pre- 
sent at  the  marriage  of  his  friend,       ....  475 

DXVn.  To  Peter  Toussain. — Complaints  of  the  intolerance  of  Peter 

Toussain  towards  some  ministers  of  the  country  of  Montbeliard,  477 
DXVIH.  To  Bcllixger. — Ecclesiastical  affairs  of  Germany — perils  of 

Geneva,         .......  479 

DXLX.  To  Melaxghthox. — Malady  of  Calvin — formidable  coalition  of 
the  Kings  of  France  and  Spain  against  Geneva — exhortations 
to  fraternal  union,      .  .  .  .  .  .481 

DXX.  To  the  French  Church  of  Strasbourg. —  Blames  the  deposi- 
tion of  a  minister,       ......  485 

DXXI.  To  the  King  of  Navarre. — Quarrels  of  two  ministers — per- 
secutions in  Spain — duties  of  the  king,  .  .  .  487 


CALVIN'S  LETTERS. 


CCCXL.— To  Viret.1 

Consolations  and  encouragements— election  of  the  New  Syndics  at  Geneva. 

Geneva,  6th  February  1554. 

That  the  success  which  we  had  anticipated  has  not  crowned 
your  labours  is  greatly  to  be  regretted.  Nevertheless  as  this 
delay  will  probably  not  be  lasting,  let  us  bear  it  patiently. 
That  so  poor  a  reward  should  be  paid  you  by  that  party  which 
should  at  least  have  offered  you  some  consolation,  is  certainly 
nothing  new.  Let  it  suffice  that  our  efforts  are  approved  of 
by  the  heavenly  Judge  of  the  contest,  who  exercises  us  not 
only  by  a  hard  warfare,  but  by  one  which  brings  but  little 
honour,  in  order  that  we  seek  not  for  plaudits  nor  the  crown 
of  victory  from  men.  In  our  own  affairs  nothing  has  as  yet 
been  decided.  Privately  I  have  been  reconciled  with  Perrin 
and  Yendel.  Next  Monday  I  shall  be  obliged  to  enter  the 
lists.  Amblard  Corne,  Peter  Textor,  Claude  du  Pan,  and 
Michael  Micaire  have  been  appointed  Syndics.  In  the  election 
of  the  senate  there  has  been  no  change.  John  Baudichon  has 
been  involved  in  a  new  trouble,  for  being  summoned  two  days 

*  While  the  Reform  was  everywhere  established  in  the  Pays  de  Vaud,  two  forms  of 
worship  were  still  in  presence  of  each  other  in  the  town  of  Orbe,  the  birth  place  of 
Viret,  Relying  on  the  Seigneury  of  Berne,  and  his  own  indefatigable  proselytism, 
Viret  laboured  zealously  to  abolish  the  last  remains  of  the  Catholic  faith  in  his  native 
town.  On  the  17th  of  January  155-4,  he  wrote  to  Calvin  :— "  There  is  every  hope  of 
success,  the  greater  number  is  on  our  side,  and  all  the  most  worthy  have  been  brought 
over,  our  adversaries  are  seeking  in  all  directions  for  auxiliaries,  but  the  disease 
seems  incurable."— (Library  of  Geneva,  Vol.  Ill  a.)  But  new  incidents  paralyzed 
the  efforts  of  Viret,  which  were  crowned  with  success  only  at  the  end  of  this  same 

year. 

(15) 


16  AMBROSE   BLAURER.  [1054. 

before  into  the  senate  bouse,  that  he  might  make  it  up  with 
Perrin,  he  allowed  himself  to  be  carried  so  far  in  the  heat  of 
argument,  as  to  break  out  into  violent  and  insulting  invec- 
tives.    Yesterday  the  cause  was  discussed  in  a  tumultuous 
manner.     As  in  the  person  of  its  first  Syndic  the  dignity  of 
the  senate  had  been  offended,  Baudichon  was  ordered  to  make 
an  apology  in  presence  of  the  two  hundred,  without  however 
any  humiliating  circumstances.     As  Perrin  had  obtained  all 
he  demanded,  he  showed  himself  indulgent.     Besides  Perrin 
is  about  to  pay  you  a  visit  for  the  purpose  of  seeking  a  wife. 
He  says  that  he  had  entered  into  an  engagement  for  contract- 
ing a  marriage  with  Prevot's  sister,  that  the  lady  herself  had 
consented,  but  her  brother  opposed  it.     I  suppose  that  Prevot 
has  valid  reasons  for  his  conduct.     Lest,  however,  these  com- 
plaints spread  farther,  you  will  do  a  worthy  deed,  if  you  call 
both  parties  before  you.     For  if  the  marriage  be  not  advan- 
tageous to  a  pious  and  most  excellent  woman,  you  will  prevent 
Perrin  from  being  any  longer  amused  by  vain  hopes,  or  if  no 
reasonable  objections  exist,  she   will   be  at  liberty   to  con- 
tract these  nuptials.     Something  seems  possible  to  be  done, 
and  your  authority  will  also  contribute  materially  to  effect  it. 
Farewell,  my  most  excellent  and  faithful  brother.     Salute  M. 
Beze,  James,  and  the  other  brethren,  as  well  as  your  wife  and 
daughters.     May  the  Lord  protect  you  all  and  bless  your 
labours. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Ldt.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 


CCCXLI. — To  Ambrose  Blaurer.1 

Friendly  complaints  respecting  the  silence  of  Blaurer — Despatch  of  several  writings. 

Geneva,  6th  February  1554. 

You  very  seldom  write  to  me,  my  most  worthy  and  highly 
esteemed  brother,  and  yet  there  is  not  one  of  the  letters  which 

1  In  a  letter  of  the  5th  January  1553,  Blaurer  addressed  to  Calvin,  with  fraternal 
encouragements,  the  marks  of  the  warmest  affection.     He  thanked  him  for  his  letters 


1554.]  AMBROSE   BLAURER.  17 

I  receive  from  you  that  would  not  excuse  a  whole  year's 
silence.  For  throughout  them  all  there  breathes  not  only  so 
tender  an  affection  towards  me,  but  at  the  same  time  they  re- 
veal by  such  natural  touches  your  whole  heart,  that  I  figure 
to  myself  I  have  the  writer  before  rne,  such  is  their  style.  You 
have  then  no  reason  to  make  yourself  uneasy,  because  you  do 
not  punctually  discharge  your  duties  on  this  head ;  for  I  am 
quite  satisfied  how  entirely  you  love  me.  Though  nothing 
would  o-ive  me  greater  pleasure  than  to  have,  were  it  but  a 
few  lines,  from  you  every  day;  yet,  your  convenience  is  dearer 
to  me  than  this  desire  of  mine,  and  I  shall  be  perfectly  well 
content,  if  you  consent  to  pardon  my  own  laziness.  Respect- 
ing the  state  of  the  church  here,  I  have  as  yet  nothing  certain  to 
communicate  to  you.  These  last  few  years,  evil  disposed  per- 
sons have  not  ceased  on  every  occasion  to  create  for  us  new 
subjects  of  vexation.  At  length  in  their  endeavours  to  render 
null  our  excommunication,  there  is  no  excess  of  folly  they 
have  left  unattempted.  Everywhere  the  contest  was  long 
maintained  with  much  violence,  because,  in  the  senate  and 
among  the  people,  the  passions  of  the  contending  parties  had 
been  so  much  inflamed  that  there  was  some  risk  of  a  tumult. 
By  the  tactics  of  certain  individuals  a  reconciliation  has  been 
effected  among  us.  Respecting  the  affair  however  nothing  has 
been  as  yet  decided.  Whether  an  end  shall  be  put  to  this 
controversy,  or  a  new  one  shall  spring  up,  the  issue  of  which 
I  commend  to  God,  I  am  determined  not  to  shew  myself  too 
yielding.  And  yet  I  am  not  a  man  of  such  iron  mould  as  not 
to  feel  the  deepest  distress,  amounting  to  torture  of  mind,  at 
the  thought  of  the  future  dispersion  of  my  flock,  if  I  shall  be 
forced  to  quit  them.  But  since  nothing  else  is  left  to  our 
option,  except  with  an  humble  reliance  on  divine  providence 

in  these  words  : — "You  cannot  conceive,  my  man  of  God,  how  much  they  have  com- 
forted me,  not  so  much  on  account  of  their  subject,  which  indeed  is  gloomy  enough, 
but  because  they  were  the  first  I  received  from  you,  and  because  they  contained  proofs 
of  no  ordinary  affection  of  yours  towards  me.  May  Christ  our  Saviour  for  ever  bind 
you  and  yours  to  himself,  and  out  of  the  exhaustless  horn  of  his  riches,  in  such  an 
afflicting  state  of  affairs,  never  cease  to  cherish  and  relieve  you."— Library  of  Geneva, 
vol.  110. 
3 


18  AMBROSE   BLAURER.  [1554. 

to  discharge  our  duty  to  the  utmost,  we  must  needs  persevere. 
Moreover  a  brighter  ray  of  hope  begins  to  break  on  us. 

The  little  tracts  which  I  have  published  up  to  this  time, 
except  four  sermons  in  French  which  Baudouin  has  translated 
into  Latin,  have  all  been  comprised  in  one  volume  by  one  of 
our  printers.  So  I  shall  not  send  you  a  list  which  you  can 
easily  procure  from  him.  Twenty-two  sermons  in  French  on 
the  Octonary  Psalm,  as  it  is  called,1  were  lately  published. 
The  commentaries  on  the  scriptures  were  printed  separately. 
What  remained  of  my  work  on  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles  has 
now  been  brought  out.  I  will  send  you  a  copy,  but  on  the 
conditions  which  you  yourself  prescribe,  namely,  that  this 
worthy  man  will  count  down  the  price.  I  have  done  the  same 
thing  with  regard  to  my  refutation  of  Servetus's  impiety,  of 
which  he  will  bring  you  three  copies.  I  have  added  a  witty 
letter  of  our  friend  Beza's  in  the  name  of  Passavent,2  which 
will  provoke  a  hearty  laugh,  I  hope.  Farewell,  dearest  of 
men,  and  faithful  minister  of  Christ,  may  the  Lord  continue 
to  direct  you  and  your  family  by  his  Spirit,  defend  you  with 
his  protection,  and  accompany  you  with  every  blessing  even  to 
the  end.  My  kindest  wishes  to  your  fellow  labourer  and  your 
wife.  My  colleagues  and  a  great  many  good  men  also  salute 
you  most  cordially.— Yours,  John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  copy.— Library  of  Zurich.     Coll.  Hottinguer,  F.  43,  p.  464.] 

1  Twenty-two  sermons,  in  which  thecsix  Psalm  is  commented  on,  containing  a  like 
number  of  divisions  into  portions  of  eight  verses  each. — New  Edition.  Geneva,  1562, 
in  8vo. 

a  A  letter  of  Master  Benedict  Passavent,  a  satirical  piece,  in  the  style  of  Rabelais, 
addressed  to  the  President  of  the  Parliament  of  Paris,  Liset,  and  greatly  relished  by 
the  historian  De  Thou.     See  Haag,  France  Protestante,  article  Beze,  Bibliography,  iv. 


1554.]  BULLINGER.  19 


CCCXLIL— To  BULLLNGER. 

Reconciliation  of  parties — apparent  tranquillity  of  the  republic — announces  the  book 
against  the  errors  of  Servetus. 

Geneva,  2Zd  February  1554. 

I  should  feel  ashamed,  ray  most  worthy  sir,  and  respected 
brother,  for  having  made  no  reply  to  your  two  letters,1  had  I 
not  some  excuse  for  my  silence.  The  truth  is,  I  was  unwill- 
ing to  write  to  you  before  matters  were  arranged,  for  fear  that 
our  bickerings  should  occasion  you  perplexity  and  anxiety  of 
mind,  knowing  that  these  feelings  would  be  shared  with  you 
by  the  best  and  most  faithful  of  our  brethren.  And  then  we 
have  been  agitated  by  such  a  variety  of  incidents,  that  not  one 
day  has  shone  out  on  us  without  being  overcast  by  the  anti- 
cipated clouds  of  the  morrow.  At  length  affairs  have  come 
to  this  point,  that  all  the  parties  are  reconciled  to  one  another. 
For  the  senate  had  been  divided  into  factions,  and  so  openly 
had  the  animosity  of  these  factions  manifested  itself,  that  the 
wicked  felt  the  vengeance  of  God  impending  over  them.  Xor 
were  the  good  possessed  of  sufficient  courage  to  aim  at  com- 
posing the  state  of  the  Church,  about  which  so  bitter  a  strife 
had  arisen.  In  token  of  peace  then  the  two  parties  shook  hands, 
and  an  oath  was  administered,  that  no  one  should  in  future 
befriend  evil  causes.  And  in  thu3  prejudging  the  case,  the 
adverse  party  tacitly  condemned  itself.  But  in  this  plausible 
reconciliation,  it  is  evident  that  legitimate  order,  the  only 
certain  pledge  of  peace,  has  been  overlooked,  or,  at  least, 
postponed.  When  called  into  the  senate  I  professed  that  I 
pardoned  those  who  sincerely  repented,  but  gave  them  to  un- 
derstand at  the  same  time  that  I  was  but  one  of  the  consistory, 
and  that  I  had  a  hundred  times  rather  suffer  death  than  as- 

1  These  two  letters  contained  the  expression  of  the  warmest  affection  for  Calvin, 
mixed  with  the  most  sage  advice.  The  one  bearing  date  the  13th  December  1553, 
concluded  with  the  following  words  : — "  May  the  Lord  by  his  Spirit  bless  thi3  busi- 
ness (ecclesiastical  discipline)  and  direct  your  hearts  into  the  way  of  peace.  Amen. 
Love  us  in  the  Lord,  my  dear  Calvin,  and  pray  for  us  along  with  the  brethren." 


20  BULLIXGER.  [1554. 

sume  to  myself  what  was  the  common  right  of  the  church. 
We  could  not  but  perceive,  that  Satan  desired  nothing  more 
than  that  from  doubtful  and  undecided  measures  should  arise 
some  future  handle  for  throwing  every  thing  into  confusion. 
But  we  are  determined  to  be  beforehand  with  him.  Now, 
with  less  violence  perhaps  than  before,  our  enemies  will  re- 
new their  disturbances,  yet  most  certainly  we  shall  be  forced 
ere  long  to  come  to  a  collision.  You  now  see  but  too  clearly 
the  motive  of  my  silence,  which  is  that  I  wished  to  throw  a 
veil  over  our  domestic  disgrace.  Yet  know  this  much  ;  that 
though  the  church  is  everywhere  variously  agitated,  at  Geneva 
it  is  tossed  about  by  as  many  opposing  currents  as  Noah's  ark 
was  during  the  deluge.  From  this  also  you  may  conclude, 
how  very  disagreeable  it  is  to  me  that  your  illustrious  senate 
should  be  annoyed  by  our  disputes.  Of  this  feeling  you  had 
lately  one  very  striking  proof,  when  respecting  the  spiritual 
government  of  the  church  you  were  not  consulted.  But  what 
could  I  do  ?  All  good  men  pour  their  complaints  in  my  ears, 
but  none  are  able  to  apply  a  remedy.  It  is  well  for  us,  how- 
ever, that  we  have  a  pilot  to  guide  us,  under  whom  we  shall 
be  safe  from  shipwreck — and  then  that  we  are  at  no  great  dis- 
tance from  the  harbour.  Meanwhile  we  must  study  the  dis- 
position of  those  along  with  whom  the  same  voyage  is  to  be 
undertaken. 

The  refutation  of  Servetus's  blasphemy1  will  be  sent  to  you, 
I  hope,  before  my  letter  comes  to  hand.  It  is  a  short  pam- 
phlet, and  hastily  got  up.  Still  it  will  be  better,  that  its  con- 
tents should  have  been  written  than  nothing  at  all.  I  suppose 
that  the  troubles  in  England  are  known  in  your  quarter,  and 
in  the  meantime,  while  my  letter  is  on  its  way  to  you,  we  shall 
perhaps  gain  some  more  certain  information.  Farewell,  most 
honourable  sir,  and  highly  respected  brother.  Do  not  fail  to 
salute  for  me,  M.  Gualter,  your  sons-in-law,  and  the  other 
brethren.     The  Marquis  of  Caracioli,  our  friend  Bude",  and 

1  It  was  at  the  instigation  of  Bullinjrer,  that  Calvin  had  undertaken  this  work  : 
"Endeavour,  my  dear  Calvin,  to  describe  exactly  and  piously  for  all  pious  persons, 
Servetus,  with  the  manner  of  his  death,  that  all  may  turn  away  with  loathing  from 
the  monster." 


1554.J  A   SEIGNEUR   OF   PIEDMONT.  21 

my  colleagues  s^nd  you  their  best  wishes.  May  the  hand  of 
the  Lord  protect  you,  and  his  Spirit  direct  you  and  bless 
your  labours.     Amen. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  Corresp.     Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  241.] 


CCCXLIII. — To  a  Seigneur  of  Piedmont.1 

He  exhorts  him  to  perseverance  in  the  faith,  in  giving  to  his  children  a  christian 

education. 

Geneva,  25th  February  1554. 

Sir, — Though  I  am  personally  a  stranger  to  you,  yet  being 
assured  by  trustworthy  people  that  my  letters  will  not  be 
unacceptable,  I  have  made  bold  to  write  to  you,  not  having 
any  other  introduction  but  that  which  I  have  received  from 
the  authority  of  the  Master  whom  I  serve.  His  name,  how- 
ever, will,  I  presume,  be  a  sufficient  warrant,  considering  the 
reverence  you  bear  toward  him  and  his  doctrine.  And  at  the 
same  time  it  is  most  reasonable  that  great  and  small  should 
submit  to  his  majesty,  since  the  heavenly  Father  hath  be- 
stowed on  him  sovereign  empire,  in  order  that  every  knee 
should  bend  before  him,  not  only  of  human  creatures  but  also 
of  angels.  This,  in  sooth,  is  but  badly  understood  by  most 
men  in  these  days.  We  see  that  the  number  of  those  who 
agree  to  obey  in  truth  this  great  king  is  small  indeed.  But  I 
have  heard  that  God,  of  his  infinite  goodness,  has  touched  your 

1  The  name  of  this  Seigneur  is  unknown.  Piedmont,  at  that  time  subject  to  the 
French  dominion,  had  remained  a  stranger  to  the  influence  of  the  Reform.  The  evan- 
gelical doctrines  faithfully  preserved  by  the  Waldenses  for  ages  in  the  asylum  of  the 
Alps,  and  revived  by  a  new  spirit,  were  dissemiuated  at  Turin  and  thence  over  the 
whole  country,  "so  that."  snys  Beza,  "in  a  very  short  time  there  was  a  society  of 
those  professing  the  Reformed  religion,  established  at  Carignan.  Pontcarlier,  Poyrin, 
Villefranche,  Ville-neuve  d'Ast  et  Castillon,  which  has  nevertheless  been  dispersed 
by  persecution."  A  courageous  minister,  Alexander  Guiotin,  founded  in  1557  the 
Reformed  Church  of  Turin.  Hist.  Eccl.  torn.  iii.  p.  336  and  the  following.  We  read 
in  the  registers  of  the  company  of  Geneva,  6th  September  1557: — "was  elected  for 
Piedmont  Master  Pasquier  Barnot  and  set  out  the  14th  of  September."  Ibidem,  De- 
cember, 1553  : — "Master  Christofle,  the  son  of  the  physician  of  Vevay,  set  out  to  gc 
and  administer  the  word  of  God  in  the  town  of  Thurin." 


22  A    SEIGNEUR    OF    PIEDMONT.  [1554. 

heart,  so  that  you  desire  to  be  a  christian,  not  in  name  only 
but  in  reality.  If  I  express  myself  thus,  it  is  because  the 
word  christian  passes  glibly  indeed  from  the  lips  of  all,  but 
when  it  is  required  of  us,  to  humble  ourselves  beneath  the  gos- 
pel, which  is  the  sceptre  by  which  Jesus  Christ  wills  to  reign 
over  us,  almost  all  shrink  back;  in  which  fact  we  see  that  it  is 
but  too  common  a  thing  from  hypocrisy  to  wear  1  ike  a  mask  the 
title  of  christian,  and  by  so  doing  profane  it.  And  it  is  not 
a  small  nor  a  vulgar  virtue  to  approve  by  deeds  that  we  de- 
sire to  be  the  disciples  of  the  Son  of  God,  to  the  end  that  he 
also  may  avow  us  for  his  followers.  For  that  reason  you  are 
so  much  the  more  bound  to  recognize  the  mercy  of  God  in 
advancing  you  thus  far.  For  it  is  not  of  our  own  impulse  that 
we  come  thitherward,  but  only  inasmuch  as  he  hath  been 
pleased  to  draw  us.  And  that  this  goodness  may  have  greater 
lustre  by  being  better  known,  he  hath  chosen  us  out  and  set 
us  apart  from  among  those  to  whom  we  are  otherwise  alike. 
Thus  then  the  poor  blinded  creatures  that  we  see  groping 
around  us  are  but  so  many  mirrors  in  which  to  contemplate 
our  miserable  condition,  and  so  magnify  Him  who  has  with- 
drawn us  from  this  horrible  darkness  of  death. 

Moreover,  sir,  consider  well  the  value  of  that  infinite  trea- 
sure, God's  truth,  which  has  been  entrusted  to  you,  that  you 
may  be  a  good  and  faithful  steward  thereof.  For  of  those 
very  persons  who  make  a  profession  of  the  pure  doctrine  of 
the  Gospel,  we  see  that  the  greater  part  are  satisfied  with 
having  some  vain  imagination  or  vague  notion  of  it.  Hence  it 
is  that  a  goodly  number  of  those  to  whom  God  has  given  some 
savour  of  his  grace,  break  forth  into  double  wantonness,  till  in 
the  end,  they  become  quite  brutalized.  For  God  will  not  be 
mocked  nor  despised.  And  seeing  the  corruptions  that  every 
where  abound,  and  the  assaults  that  Satan  now  directs  against 
those  who  wish  to  walk  uprightly,  we  have  great  need  to  lift 
up  our  eyes  on  high  and  ask  for  strength  and  constancy  in 
order  to  withstand  them.  On  your  own  part,  I  fancy  you 
will  experience  more  of  them  than  it  is  possible  for  me  to 
point  out.  I  mean  of  those  hinderances  which  clog  our  pro- 
gress, or  turn  us  aside  from  serving  God  with  purity.     Above 


1554.]  A   SEIGNEUR    OF   PIEDMONT.  23 

all  because  under  the  tyranny  of  antichrist,  if  a  man  will  live 
like  a  christian,  he  must  by  continual  training  learn  to  die, 
so  that  no  difficulty  plead  an  excuse  for  him  when  the  honour 
of  his  God  is  in  question.  And  if  Jesus  Christ  spared  not 
himself  for  our  salvation,  it  is  not  reasonable  that  our  lives 
should  be  deemed  more  precious  than  his.  Inasmuch  then,  as 
nothing  is  more  odious  than  to  be  reputed  a  true  christian, 
so  must  we  practise  that  lesson  of  St.  Paul's,  not  to  be  ashamed 
of  being  hated  and  contemned  for  this  title.  And  indeed  if 
we  desire  to  be  exalted  to  the  glory  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
we  must  bear  the  opprobrium  of  his  cross.  Thus  I  entreat 
you,  according  as  necessity  may  remind  you,  to  shake  off  your 
sloth  and  bestir  yourself  to  do  battle  valiantly  against  Satan 
and  the  world,  desiring  to  be  dead  unto  yourself  so  as  to  be 
fully  renewed  in  God.  And  because  we  must  know  before  we 
can  love,  I  entreat  you  also  to  exercise  yourself  in  reading  the 
holy  exhortations  that  may  be  helps  to  this  end.  For  the 
coldness  we  observe  in  certain  persons,  arises  from  that  care- 
lessness which  disposes  them  to  fancy  that  it  is  enough  to 
have  relished  cursorily  some  passage  of  the  scriptures,  with- 
out laying  down  as  a  rule  to  profit  by  it  as  need  should  re- 
quire. On  the  contrary,  we  have  to  practise  what  is  said  by 
St.  Paul,  that  by  contemplating  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ  in  the 
mirror  of  the  gospel,  we  may  conform  ourselves  to  him  from 
glory  to  glory.  Whereby  the  apostle  means  that  in  propor- 
tion as  we  draw  nearer  to  Jesus  Christ,  and  know  him  more 
intimately,  the  grace  and  virtue  of  his  Spirit  will  at  the  same 
time  grow  and  be  multiplied  in  us.  So  then  be  it  your  constant 
care  to  profit  more  and  more.  And  besides  all  that,  you  have 
to  think  of  your  children,  whom  God  has  confided  to  your 
charge  for  this  end,  that  thev  should  be  dedicated  to  him,  and 
that  he  should  be  the  supreme  Father  of  them  as  of  you.  It 
is  true  that  many  persons  are  prevented  from  discharging 
their  duties  towards  their  children,  because  their  single  desire 
is  to  further  the  advancement  of  their  offspring  in  the  world. 
But  this  is  a  pitiful  and  perverse  consideration.  I  entreat 
you  then  since  God  has  bestowed  on  you  a  race  of  children 
gifted  with  good  dispositions,  and  as  you  value  this  inesti- 


24  THE    BRETHREN    OF    ORBE.  [1554. 

mable  treasure,  to  take  measures  for  having  them  brought  up 
betimes  iu  his  fear,  and  preserved  from  the  corruptions  and 
pollutions  by  which  we  have  been  surrounded.  I  am  aware 
that  you  have  not  waited  for  my  exhortations  to  begin  this 
happy  work,  but  that  you  have  provided  for  them  a  man  en- 
dowed with  knowledge  to  instruct  them  and  zealous  in  the 
discharge  of  his  functions ;  but  because  both  father  and  chil- 
dren should  be  entirely  devoted  to  God,  and  because  the 
obstacles  which  Satan  lays  in  the  way  of  so  good  an  end  are 
almost  insurmountable,  it  is  highly  necessary  that  you  should 
train  them  up  for  the  possession  of  a  heavenly  inheritance, 
rather  than  that  of  perishable  wealth  and  honours  here  below. 

Whereupon,  in  conclusion,  sir,  after  having  recommended 
myself  to  your  kind  favour,  I  supplicate  our  heavenly  Father 
.to  have  you  in  his  holy  protection,  to  increase  in  you  what 
he  has  bestowed  of  his  knowledge  of  the  truth,  and  so  to 
direct  you  by  his  Spirit,  that  he  may  be  served  and  honoured 
bv  you,  till  we  be  received  into  the  glory  of  his  immortal 
kingdom. 

Your  humble  brother  and  servant, 

John  Calvin. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Yol.  107.] 


CCCXLIY. — To  the  Brethren  of  Orbe.1 

Vows  and  counsels  for  the  establishment  of  religious  unity  in  their  city  by  the  abo- 
lition of  the  Catholic  worship. 

Geneva,  4th  March  1554. 

The  love  of  God  the  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  by  the  communication  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  be  always 
with  you. 

1  To  the  well  beloved  brethren  of  Orbe,  who  greatly  desire  the  pure  preaching  of 
the  gospel,  and  the  undefiled  worship  of  God  with  the  advancement  of  the  kingdom 
of  Christ. 

The  town  of  Orbe,  the  birth  place  of  the  minister  Viret,  had  been  divided  since  the 
year  1532  between  the  two  forms  of  worship,  the  Catholic  and  the  Reformed;  the 


1554.]  THE  BRETHREN  OF  ORBE.  25 

Though  in  addition  to  the  hearing  of  sound  doctrine,  and 
the  reading  of  the  word,  you  have  also  our  most  excellent  bre- 
thren, Viret  and  Farel,  who,   I  doubt  not,  assiduously  strive 
to  stir  you  up  to  holy  zeal  by  their  pious  exhortations  which 
I  am  confident  also  are  listened  to  by  you  with  a  ready  and 
well-disposed  mind,  nevertheless  I  could  not  resist  my  incli- 
nation to  send  you  these  few  lines,  that  you  might  have  my 
judgment  respecting  yourselves  and  your  affairs.     And  certes 
you    stand    in    need    of   no   ordinary    encouragement,    since 
those    firebrands    of    strife    have    been     kindled   by    Satan 
against  you.     When  the  rectitude,  then,  of  my  intentions  shall 
be  manifest,  I  flatter   myself  that   my  zeal  towards   you  will 
so  meet  with  your  approbation,  that  my  exertions  in  your  be- 
half will  not  be  fruitless.     Indeed  when  I  reflect  on  your  earn- 
est desire  to  restore  among  yourselves  on  a  firm  foundation, 
the  pure  worship  of  God,  I  make  no  doubt  but  that  the  pre- 
sent condition  of  your  city  is  to  you  a  source  of  sorrow,  in- 
somuch as  the  superstition  and  impiety  of  Popery  which  have 
corrupted  the  worship  of  God,  and  cover  his  holy  name  with 
blasphemies,  still  maintain  a  footing  among  you.     Meanwhile 
you  should  account  it  an  inestimable  treasure,  that  the  Lord 
has  bestowed  on  you  the  privilege  of  having  no  longer  any 
thing  in  common  with  that  evil,  nay,  what  is  more,  that  you 
have  it  in  your  power  not  only  not  to  participate  in  the  evil, 

former  placed  under  the  patronage  of  Friburg,  the  latter  under  the  protection  of  Berne. 
The  Protestants  having  demanded  that  the  religious  question  should  be  regulated  by 
a  majority  of  votes,  and  Berne  having  seconded  this  request,  the  magistrates  of  Fn- 
bur<r  were  obliged  to  yield,  and  the  decisive  proof  by  voting  was  fixed  for  the  30th 
Jnly  1554.  Informed  of  this  news  by  Viret,  Calvin  wrote  to  the  Protestants  of 
Orbe  to  exhort  them  to  perseverance,  union,  and  zeal,  tempered  by  prudence  and 
charity,  in  order  to  obtain  the  conversion  of  their  fellow-townsmen.  But  the  point 
in  question  was  not  so  much  to  convert,  as  to  subject  them  by  the  force  of  a  majority 
to  the  evangelical  faith.  On  the  30th  of  July,  1554,  the  inhabitants  convoked  on  the 
public  market  place,  and  divided  into  two  parties  were  counted  by  the  magistrates, 
and  it  was  found  that  the  number  of  the  Reformed  surpassed  by  eighteen  heads  that 
of  the  Catholics.  The  proof  being  judged  decisive,  the  Roman  Catholic  worship  was 
abolished,  in  despite  of  the  rights  of  the  religious  minority.  The  example  of  Orbe 
was  followed  at  Montagny  and  at  Grandson.  On  the  2nd  December  of  the  same 
year,  the  Seigneury  of-Berne  published  an  ecclesiastical  regulation,  and  the  parish 
of  Orbe  was  placed  under  the  authority  of  a  consistory,  whilst  the  priests,  the  monks, 
and  the  nuns  withdrew  to  Friburg,  or  to  Savoy.  Ruchat,  torn.  vi.  p.  70,  and  Pierre- 
fleur,  Ckroniqtie  de  la  ville  a"  Orbe. 
4 


26  THE   BRETHREN   OF    ORBE.  [1554 

but  that  there  exists  among  you  a  certain  regularly  established 
church,  to  retain  you  under  the  yoke  of  the  Lord.  This  will 
appear  a  great  and  incomparable  blessing  of  God,  if  you  cast 
your  eyes  on  the  condition  of  those  who  are  miserably  bowed 
down  under  the  yoke  of  bondage.  One  motive  for  anxiety 
however  still  subsists,  which  is  that  many  things  still  offer 
themselves  to  your  sight  which  militate  against  the  glory  of 
God.  Especially  when  every  thing  among  you  had  been 
arranged  so  securely,  and  in  so  desirable  a  manner,  that  we 
could  not  but  conclude  that  you  would  be  thoroughly  purged 
and  delivered  from  all  the  pollutions  of  antichrist.  Where- 
fore to  have  so  bright  a  prospect  clouded  by  disappointment, 
cannot  but  be  a  matter  of  bitter  regret.  The  enemies  of  our 
faith  also,  no  longer  shackled  by  their  fears,  avail  themselves 
of  the  opportunity,  proclaim  their  triumph  and  laugh  God  to 
scorn,  so  that  this  crowning  sorrow  is  superadded  to  your 
other  sorrows.  And  yet  it  should  not  be  anything  new  to 
you,  that  Satan,  the  constant  scope  of  whose  endeavours  is  to 
hinder  the  advancement  of  Christ's  reign,  should  put  in  prac- 
tice his  devices,  which  after  all  tend  only  to  fill  up  the 
measure  of  God's  blessing,  since,  but  for  the  obstacles  which 
the  Lord  throws  in  his  way,  he  is  fully  prepared  at  once  to 
cast  down  every  thing  and  scatter  it  to  the  winds.  In  the 
meantime,  indeed,  while  he  is  held  in  constraint  by  God,  he 
nevertheless  bestirs  himself  that  he  may  do  all  the  mischief 
he  can.  But  what  should  afford  you  no  ordinary  consolation, 
is  the  unquestionable  fact  that  you  are  standing  forth  in  the 
defence  of  God's  rights  and  cause.  So  then  let  this  hope  ani- 
mate you,  that  the  Lord  will  not  abandon  his  own  truth  which 
is  singularly  precious  to  him.  Arm  your  hearts  therefore 
with  courage  for  the  time,  and  persist  with  equal  constancy 
in  the  course  you  have  entered  upon.  Impress  this  on  your 
minds,  that  God  has  assigned  you  your  post  for  the  trial  of 
your  faith  and  patience.  And  should  you  be  cheered  by  no 
prospect  or  means  of  accomplishing  in  future  what  you  are 
now  aiming  at,  what  at  least  should  support  you,  and  add  to 
your  consolation,  is  the  inward  conviction,  that  you  are  lay- 
ing yourselves  out  for  God's  service,  and  proving  to  him 


1554.]  THE  BKETHRKX  OF  ORBE.  27 

your  obedience.  But  you  have  an  additional  motive  to  con- 
firm you  in  this  right  line  of  conduct,  since  even  in  this  un- 
timely birth,  you  can  rejoice  in  no  mean  fruits  of  your  travail. 
For  that  promise  of  the  Lord  holds  good,  that  we  do  not 
lose  our  pains,  when  his  word  shall  go  before  us,  unless  we 
seem  to  beat  the  air.  Recognize  then  the  effect  of  that  pro- 
mise in  the  increase  of  the  Lord's  flock,  which  you  now  be- 
hold, and  which,  beyond  all  doubt,  will  drive  from  your  city 
the  abominations  of  antichrist.  For  what  God  has  been 
pleased  to  leave  undone  for  the  present,  he  will  accomplish  in 
his  own  time.  Now  then  is  the  season  of  the  struggle  and  the 
contest  with  various  temptations,  as  in  truth  the  kingdom  and 
dominion  of  the  Son  of  God  among  men,  is  not  wont  to  be 
established  without  laborious  and  painful  efforts.  But  when 
Satan  inflamed  with  such  fury  rushes  against  you,  what  a  dis- 
grace it  will  be,  if  you  are  found  a-wanting  to  yourselves ! 
And  why  ?  Because  he  is  striving  to  his  own  destruction, 
and  you  stand  up  for  that  cause  with  which  your  salvation  is 
connected,  and  in  which  you  are  thoroughly  persuaded  that 
the  victory  has  been  prepared  for  you,  if  ye  shall  go  on  cour- 
ageously. Moreover  the  enemies  of  the  faith  are  twice 
wretched;  as  by  their  blindness  of  mind  they  reject  as  much 
as  in  them  lies  the  grace  of  God,  they  should  move  your  com- 
miseration, rather  than  by  their  acts  produce  in  you  any  feel- 
ing of  uneasiness.  To  such  a  degree  the  deadly  distemper 
betrays  itself  with  which  Satan  has  fascinated  them,  since  they 
so  recklessly  shun  their  only  hope  of  salvation,  and  hold  it  in 
abhorrence.  For  which  reason  let  not  your  commiseration 
for  them  diminish  your  courage,  but  on  the  contrary,  strive 
to  procure  an  unknown  blessing  for  those  even  who  spurn  it. 
And  this  result  ye  will  obtain,  when,  no  longer  as  members 
of  a  lacerated  body,  but  with  one  and  the  same  mind  and  spi- 
rit, ye  shall  invoke  the  same  Lord.  Nothing  is  to  be  spared 
to  obtain  such  a  result,  nor  can  any  remissness  here  be  at  all 
excused.  Wherefore  we  must  so  much  the  more  demand  of 
God  a  spirit  of  fortitude  and  constancy,  that  we  may  never 
faint  in  mind.  Nor  is  a  spirit  of  pious  and  holy  prudence 
less  necessary,  that  as  your  enemies  are  ever  on  the  watch  to 


28  yiret.  [1554. 

ensnare  you,  you  may  hold  out  without  offence  against  all 
their  attacks.  If  you  follow  this  line  of  conduct,  the  Lord 
will  either  bring  down  the  swelling  pride  of  those  who  are 
thus  animated  towards  you,  or  will  render  them  more  equi- 
table and  peaceable,  so  that  they  may  not  so  fiercely  kick 
against  the  pricks.  Whatever  turn  matters  may  take,  proceed 
with  deliberate  purpose,  that  whatever  course  God  may  have 
appointed  you  to  run,  you  may  continue  to  the  last  in  accom- 
plishing it.  Let  this  single  consideration  suffice  you,  that  you 
have  the  assurance  that  God  approves  of  your  labour,  when 
you  declare  a  truceless  war  against  those  abominations  which 
militate  against  his  worship  and  honour.  Nor  do  those  things 
escape  my  attention,  which  you  will  encounter  in  this  busi- 
ness of  the  Lord's  to  shake  your  constancy,  unless  that  single 
virtue  which  comes  from  on  high  make  you  overleap  all 
obstacles — the  virtue  on  which  depends  all  our  progress,  and 
well-founded  expectation.  Here  all  of  us  jointly  pray  that 
God  would  grant  you  all  these  means,  that  he  would  encom- 
pass you  with  his  protection,  and  fill  you  with  spiritual  gifts, 
to  the  end  that  you  may  be  more  and  more  stirred  up  to  dedi- 
cate yourselves  entirely  to  him. 

[Calvin's  Lot.  Corresp.     Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  92.] 


CCCXLV.— To  Yiret.] 

Recommendation  of  several  English  and  Scotch  refugees. 

Geneva,  9th  3farch  1554. 

This  brother,  a  native  of  Scotland,  will  fully  explain  to  you, 
I  have  no  doubt,  with  what  intention  he  repairs  to  Zurich. 
I  am  told  that,  under  King  Edward,  he  distinguished  himself 
by  his  active  and  faithful  services  in  discharging  the  functions 
of  a  teacher.  I  had  no  leisure  to  receive  him  as  I  could  have 
wished;  but  my  want  of  attention  on  the  present  occasion,  I 

1  At  this  period  of  the  dispersion  of  the  Reformed  Churches  of  England,  Lausanne 
and  Vevay  had  received  numerous  exiles.  Nevertheless  these  refugees  seem  especi- 
ally to  have  settled  at  Zurich  and  Geneva.     See  Zurich  Letters,  passim. 


1554.]  THE   BRETHREN    OF   WEZEL.  29 

shall  make  up  for,  on  his  return.  You  will  salute  for  me 
with  kindest  wishes  all  the  English  brethren  who  are  resident 
among  you ;  you  will  inform  them  at  the  same  time,  that  no 
letters  respecting  pecuniary  matters  have  come  to  my  hands. 
Up  to  the  present  moment  I  have  been  necessarily  in  com- 
plete ignorance  of  every  thing  respecting  the  affair.  Nicolas 
the  servant's  son  has  behaved  in  an  absurd  and  very  impolite 
manner  not  to  inform  them,  at  least,  when  he  passed  through 
your  town.  Now,  that  I  am  made  aware  of  the  circumstance, 
I  shall  take  care  that  the  money  be  immediately  counted  down. 
Farewell,  most  excellent  and  worthy  brother,  may  God  be  pre- 
sent with  and  extend  his  protection  both  to  you,  to  our  friend 
Monsieur  Beza,  your  wife  and  daughters,  and  all  other  friends. 
— Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lot.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 


CCCXLYI. — To  the  Brethren  of  Wezel.1 

Entreaty  not  to  break  the  unity  of  the  Church  because  of  some  diversities  in  the 

ceremonies. 

Geneva,  13th  March  1554. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  be  upon  you  always  through  the  communication  of  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

Dearly  Beloved  Brethren, — We  have  to  praise  God 

1  Expelled  from  England  by  the  intolerant  policy  of  queen  Mary,  the  members  of 
the  foreign  congregation  of  London  were  scattered  over  the  Low  Countries  and  Ger- 
many. Some  withdrew  to  Wezel,  where  other  refugees  had  preceded  them,  but  where 
the  intolerance  of  the  Lutherans  gave  an  unwilling  welcome  to  these  sad  victims  of 
the  religious  revolutions  of  Europe,  (1554.)  Called  upon  three  years  afterwards  by 
the  magistrates  of  the  country,  to  sign  a  formulary  consecrating  the  dogma  of  the 
real  presence,  these  exiles  preferred  the  sufferings  of  a  new  banishment  to  the  abjura- 
tion of  their  faith.  Some  of  them  withdrew  to  Frankfort,  the  senate  of  which  re- 
ceived them  with  humanity,  and  obtained  from  that  of  Wezel  a  precarious  toleration 
for  the  small  number  of  exiles  who  had  not  yet  quitted  that  asylum.  The  Reformed 
church  of  Wezel,  composed  of  diverse  elements,  had  been  organized  in  1554,  by  the 
cares  of  an  able  minister,  Francis  Perucel,  and  under  the  suggestions  of  Calvin.  See 
the  Latin  correspondence  of  the  Reformer,  and  Ruchat,  torn.  vi.  pp.  157 — 159. 


30  THE    BRETHREN    OF   WEZEL.  [155-1. 

because  from  the  troubles  which  now  disturb  the  peace  of  the 
world,  he  has  granted  you  a  place  of  refuge  in  which  you  are 
at  liberty  to  serve  and  worship  him.     And  not  only  for  that, 
but  because  he  has  afforded  you  means  to  assemble  in  his 
name,  to  exercise  yourselves  in  the  hearing  of  his  word,  to 
call  on  him  with  one  accord,  and  make  a  pure  confession  of 
your  faith.     This  is  no  slight  favour  at  a  time  when  the  world 
is  turned  upside  down.     It  remains  for  you  to  profit  by  it, 
and  prove  yourselves  so  much  the  more  zealous  in  glorifying 
him  who  has  bestowed  on  you  so  liberal  a  gift,  to  the  end  that 
it  might  fructify.     With  regard  to  the  form  to  be  observed  in 
receiving  the  sacraments,  it  is  not  without  reason  that  you 
entertain  doubts  and  scruples,  for  nothing  is  better  than  to 
abide  by  that  pure  simplicity  which  we  hold  from  the  Son  of 
God,  whose  ordinance  ought  to  be  our  single  rule,  to  which 
also  the  usage  of  the  Apostles  was  perfectly   conformable. 
And  indeed  the  moment  we  deviate  ever  so  little  from  it,  our 
admixture  of  human  invention  cannot  fail  to  be  a  corruption. 
But  it  seems  to  us  that  your  condition  is  different  from  that 
of  the  pastors  of  the  place  and  the  great  body  of  the  people. 
If  the  pastors  did  their  duty,  they  would  employ  all  their 
endeavours  to  retrench  those  superfluities  which  do  not  tend 
to  edification,  or  rather  which  serve  to  obscure  the  clearness 
of  the  gospel.     The  governors  on  their  part  would  also  do 
well  to  see  to  it.     It  is  a  vice  to  be  condemned  so  far  as  they 
are  concerned,  that  they  keep  up  these  unmeaning  mumme- 
ries— which  are  as  it  were  a  residue  of  Popish  superstitions, 
the  recollection  of  which  we  should  strive  as  much  as  in  us 
lies  to  exterminate.     But  in  your  capacity  of  private  individ- 
uals, not  only  you  may  lawfully,  but  what  is  more,  you  should 
support  and  suffer  such  abuses  as  it  is  not  in  your  power  to 
correct.     We  do  not  hold  lighted  candles  in  the  celebration 
of  the  eucharist  nor  figured  bread  to  be  such  indifferent  things, 
that  we  would  willingly  consent  to  their  introduction,  or  ap 
prove  of  them,  though  we  object  not  to  accommodate  our- 
selves to  the  use  of  them,  where  they  have  been  already  estab- 
lished, when  we  have  no  authority  to  oppose  them.     If  we 
were  called  upon  to  receive  such  ceremonies,  we  should  hold 


15.34.]  THE   BRETHREN    OF   WEZEL.  31 

ourselves  bound  according  to  the  position  in  which  God  hath 
placed  us,  to  admit  of  no  compromise  in  resisting  their  intro- 
duction, and  in  maintaining  constantly  the  purity  which  the 
church  confided  to  us  already  possesses.     But  should  our  lot 
be  cast  in  some  place  where  a  different  form  prevails,  there  is 
not  one  of  us  who  from  spite  against  a  candle  or  a  chasuble 
would  consent  to  separate  himself  from  the  body  of  the  church, 
and  so  deprive  himself  of  the  use  of  the  sacrament.     We  must 
be  on  our  guard  not  to  scandalize  those  who  are  already  sub-  ' 
ject  to  such  infirmities,  which  we  should  certainly  do  by  re- 
jecting them  from  too  frivolous  motives.     And  then  it  would 
be  for  us  matter  of  deep  regret,  if  the  French  church  which 
might  be  erected  there  should  be  broken  up,  because  we 
would  not  accommodate  ourselves  to  some  ceremonies  that 
do   not  affect  the  substance  of  the  faith.     For  as  we  have 
said,  it  is  perfectly  lawful  for  the  children  of  God  to  submit 
to  many  things  of  which  they  do  not  approve.     Now  the 
main  point  of  consideration  is,  how  far  such  liberty  should 
extend.     Upon  this  head  let  us  lay  it  down  as  a  settled  point, 
that  we  ought  to  make  mutual  concessions  in  all  ceremonies, 
that  do  not  involve  any  prejudice  to  the  confession  of  our 
faith,  and  for  this  end  that  the  unity  of  the  church  be  not  de- 
stroyed by  our  excessive  rigour  or  moroseness.     No  doubt 
you  ought  by  all  honest  means  to  preserve  the  greatest  so- 
briety possible.     For  which  purpose  it  will  be  proper  mo- 
destly to  require  of  those  who  have  the  power,  not  to  constrain 
you  in  every  thing  and  on  every  occasion,  to  their  peculiar 
modes.     But  we  are  far  from  advising  you  to  abandon  the 
advantage  of  having  a  christian  church  in  that  place,  from  the 
mere  consideration  of  difference  in  ceremonies.     The  impor- 
tant consideration  is,  that  you  do  not  yield  to  a  faulty  pliancy 
in  the  confession  of  your  faith,  and  that  you  make  no  compro- 
mise as  to  doctrine.     No  doubt  it  is  your  duty  to  shun  con- 
tentions, and  not  only  to  maintain  a  modest  attitude,  but  even 
to  declare  that  your  intention  is  not  to  take  from  the  import- 
ance of  the  sacraments,  but  rather  to  magnify  the  spiritual 
gifts  which  God  has  so  bountifully  bestowed  upon  us.     But 
bavin cr  confessed  that  in  the  eucharist  we  are  only  made  par- 


32  BULLINGER.  [1554. 

takers  of  the  body  and  blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  that  our 
souls  are  fully  nourished  by  them,  be  on  your  guard  to  ex- 
clude the  errors  with  which  it  is  possible  that  some  persons 
may  be  entangled,  who  go  farther  than  that  confession.  At 
least  do  not  disguise  what  God  has  given  us  to  know  on  these 
points,  when  you  shall  be  called  on  to  do  so.  Although  one 
of  our  brethren  had  already  written  to  two  of  your  company, 
nevertheless  because  our  beloved  brethren  of  Lausanne  have 
declared  that  our  advice  should  be  added  to  that  which  they 
wish  to  give  you,  we  were  unwilling  to  spare  our  pains,  being 
ready  to  serve  you  in  greater  things  when  God  shall  give  us 
•an  opportunity,  whom  we  entreat  to  preserve  you  in  his  holy 
keeping,  to  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  and  increase  you  in  all 
good,  after  having  commended  ourselves  to  your  fervent 
prayers.     Your  most  humble  brethren  in  our  Lord, 

The  Ministers  of  the  Church  of  Geneva. 
[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  194.] 


CCCXLYIL— To  BlJLLIXGER. 

Recommendation  of  two  English  refugees — state  of  parties  at  Geneva — fresh  persecu- 
tions in  France — military  movements  of  Henry  II. — thanks  for  a  work  sent  bim — 
publication  at  Bale  of  a  pamphlet  on  the  repression  of  heresy  by  the  sword  of  the 
magistrate — divers  salutations. 

Geneva,  28th  March  1554. 

These  English  brethren,1  immediately  after  the  death  of 
king  Edward,  had  crossed  the  sea.  They  then  brought  me  a 
letter  of  recommendation  from  our  friend  Hilles,2  whose  pro- 
bity is  well  known  to  you.  Since  that  time  they  have  con- 
ducted themselves  with  so  much  honesty  and  modesty  that  I 
have  no  hesitation  in  recommending  them  to  you,  especially 
as  they  will  not  call  for  your  services,  except  in  one  matter 
which  will  be  neither  displeasing  nor  troublesome  to  you.  The 

1  Cheke  and  Morison. 

a  A  pious  Englishman  who  had  retired  to  the  continent  during  the  latter  years  of 
the  reign  of  Henry  VIII.  We  have  his  correspondence  with  Bullinger.  Zurich  Let~ 
ten,  lat  series,  torn.  i.  p.  197,  275. 


1554.]  BTJLLINGER.  33 

matter  in  question  is  to  present  them  to  some  faithful  com- 
panions with  whom  they  may  pass  into  Italy.'  Not  that  they 
ask  you  to  undertake  this  commission,  but  because  they  hope, 
if  you  drop  a  word  about  them  to  some  friend  or  acquaintance, 
this  will  be  of  great  advantage  to  them.  Our  condition  here  is 
pretty  tranquil  for  the  present,  considering  that  matters  have 
been  far  from  being  happily  settled.  The  Lord  has  looked 
favourably  on  his  flock  which  he  has  collected  from  various 
quarters.  For  the  wicked  had  put  all  their  devices  in  prac- 
tice before  they  gave  way.  Would  that  our  patient  suffering 
and  meekness  could  disarm  their  perverseness.  Certes  it 
will  be  impossible  for  them  to  deny,  that  my  own  personal 
wrongs,  which  were  indeed  very  grievous,  have  been  passed 
over  by  me  in  the  spirit  of  meekness;  and  in  truth  I  make 
no  doubt  but  that  the  Lord,  suspending  for  a  short  time  the 
punishment  which  they  have  deserved,  and  which  they  cease 
not  daily  to  provoke,  will  spare  his  own  elect.  For  in  that 
party  I  see  as  yet  no  signs  of  amendment.  Just  as  if  nothing 
had  transpired  in  Fiance,  respecting  our  disturbances,  an  im- 
mense number  of  men  has  flocked  together  from  all  quarters 
to  celebrate  Easter.  And  though  the  king  had  stationed 
guards  to  watch  all  the  passes,  and  the  prefects  execute  most 
punctually  his  orders,  and  though  the  lieutenant  also,  a  most 
infamous  traitor,  from  a  neighbouring  watch  tower,  besets 
them  with  all  the  traps  in  his  power ;  nevertheless  the  ardour 
of  their  piety  has  triumphed  over  all  fears  to  such  a  degree, 
that  good  men  break  through  every  obstacle.2  In  France 
they  exercise  their  wonted  cruelties.     The  king  has  lately 

1  Morison  did  not  make  a  long  stay  in  Italy.  He  died  of  the  plague  at  Strasburg 
in  1556.  John  Cheke  wrote  from  Verona  to  Calvin,  7th  April  1555.  "  The  constancy 
of  the  English  in  adhering  to  the  religion  of  Christ  is  wonderful.  No  one  of  all  that 
I  have  yet  heard  of,  can  be  forced  to  recant.  Many  willingly  and  with  alacrity  offer 
themselves  to  death  rather  than  return  to  their  vomit.  The  ignorant  take  the  king- 
dom of  heaven  by  violence,  and  in  constancy  surpass  the  learned."  Coll.  Diqjuy. 
vol.  268. 

a  We  find  the  confirmation  of  this  fact,  and  a  proof  of  the  pious  hospitality  of  the 
magistrates  of  Geneva,  in  a  letter  of  Theodore  Beza  to  Bullinger  : — "There  is  nothing 
but  sad  news  from  France.  The  Genevese,  we  have  heard,  about  eight  days  ago  have 
assigned  a  certain  portion  of  land  for  founding  a  new  town  for  four  hundred  families 
of  exiles,  whose  arrival  is  expected."  Letter  of  the  6th  May  1554.  Arch,  of  Zurich. 
5 


34  BULLIXGER.  [1554. 

proclaimed  through  all  the  provinces,  that  he  will  inflict  pun- 
ishment on  the  sluggishness  of  the  judges,  just  as  if  they  were 
accomplices,  unless  they  proceed  with  greater  rigour  in  their 
perquisitions  against  the  professors  of  our  faith.  In  the  mean 
time  I  do  not  know  what  is  to  be  augured  from  his  total 
change  in  the  form  of  forensic  proceedings.  He  is  arming 
troops  that  he  may  foment  new  troubles,  and  envenom  more 
and  more  the  commotions  which  exist  in  England.  At  Mar- 
seilles, he  is  equipping  a  powerful  fleet,  but  he  seems  to  di- 
rect the  principal  brunt  of  the  war  against  Italy,  unless  the 
Emperor  shape  his  course  away  from  the  scene  of  hostilities. 
He  is  also  said  to  be  levying  forces  among  your  people.  In 
fine,  he  has  his  hands  as  full  of  business  as  if  he  intended  to 
turn  heaven  and  earth  topsy-turvy.  But  as  he  is  swayed  by 
the  very  worst  counsels,  he  relaxes  nothing  of  his  wonted 
cruelty  and  pride  against  the  reformed  doctrine.  Of  so  many 
machinations  which,  as  if  in  God's  despite,  he  is  devising.  I 
expect  nothing  but  a  sad  and  inauspicious  issue. 

For  your  sermons  I  return  you  my  most  hearty  thanks,  not 
only  because  you  have  sent  me  a  copy,  but  also  because  in 
them  I  see  that  there  is  a  friendly  and  honourable  mention 
made  of  myself.  In  vindicating  our  churches  from  the  mali- 
cious slanders  which  these  brands  of  discord  never  cease  to 
vex  them  with,  you  have  done  a  good  work ;  but  what  advan- 
tages you  have  secured  from  the  king  of  Denmark  I  have  still 
to  learn.  For  I  suppose  that  you  already  know  with  how 
much  inhumanity  he  lately  received  John  Laski,  and  a 
crowd  of  exiles,  that  he  brought  along  with  him.  A  violent 
edict  enjoined  Laski  to  quit  the  Danish  territory  on  the  in- 
stant, and  during  a  furious  tempest.  Writing  to  our  friend 
Beza,  you  mentioned  something  of  a  doctor  Westphal.  I  have 
now  procured  his  book,  but  I  should  like  to  know,  if  it  is 
worth  while  to  answer  it.  If  you  think  so  I  will  bestow 
three  days'  labour  in  penning  a  reply.  A  short  time  ago  a 
book  was  also  published  clandestinely  at  Bale,  in  which  un- 
der feigned  names  Castalio  and  N '  argue  that  here- 

1  Doubtless  Curione  or  Martin  Borrhee,  professors  at  Bale. 


1554.]  BULLLNGER.  35 

tics  ought  not  to  be  repressed  by  the  sword.1  Would  that 
the  pastors  of  that  church  at  length,  though  late,  aroused 
themselves  to  prevent  the  evil  from  spreading  wider. 

Farewell,  most  accomplished  and  highly  esteemed  brother; 
in  my  name  present  the  kindest  salutations  to  M.  Gualter, 
Pellican,  your  sons-in-law,  and  the  rest  of  the  brethren  and 
pastors.  The  Marquis  de  Vico,  our  friend  Celso  Martinengo, 
Bude",  my  fellow  pastors  and  numerous  friends  all  salute  you. 
May  the  Lord  continually  protect  you,  and  your  family,  and 
govern  you  by  his  Spirit. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lot.  orig.  aatogr. — Library  of  Gottia.     Vol.  404.  p.  23.] 


CCCXLVIIL— To  Bullixger. 

Explanations  respecting  the  book  against  the  errors  of  Servetus — answers  to  three 
questions  of  Knox. 

Geneva,  2Sth  April  1554. 

Your  last  letter  was  delivered  to  me  by  our  brother,  M. 
Thomas  Lever.2  I  chanced  to  be  from  home  at  the  moment, 
so  that  he  could  not  avail  himself  of  my  services  in  procuring 
a  comfortable  lodging.  Nevertheless  things  turned  out  well 
in  my  absence,  for  the  Lord  directed  them  to  a  better  host 
than  any  that  we  could  at  random  have  selected.  He  indeed 
and  his  companion  loudly  proclaim  that  they  have  been  pro- 
vided for  to  their  hearts'  content.  And  certainly  such  is  their 
merit,  that  all  good  men  should  strive  to  assist  them  with 
advice,  and  console  them  with  sympathy  during  their  exile. 
One  of  them  will  shortly  set  out  for  Strasbourg  on  private 
business,  but  with  the  intention  of  speedily  returning  to  us; 

1  It  is  the  book  entitled  de  LTcereticis,  tracts  or  dialogues  against  the  treatise  of  Cal- 
vin, in  which  he  attempts  to  shew  that  heretics  ought  to  be  repressed  by  the  sword  of 
the  magistrate:  in  8vo.  1554,  reprinted  in  1612.  The  German  author  of  Calvin's  life, 
M.  Henry,  pretends,  with  some  appearance  of  probability,  that  this  book  was  not  writ- 
ten only  by  Ca^talio,  who  is  attacked  in  it. 

a  An  English  refugee,  who  was  afterwards  a  member  of  the  foreign  congregation  of 
Frankfort.     Sec  Zurich  Letters,  vol.  i,  p.  150. 


36  BULLINGER.  [1554. 

Thomas  will  remain  quietly  here,  as  he  has  found  that  this 
repose  contributes  to  afford  him  a  little  more  relief  from  his 
distress. 

In  my  little  treatise,1  I  have  been  under  a  constant  appre- 
hension lest  my  brevity  should  occasion  some  obscurity.   This, 
however,  I  have  not  been  able  to  guard  against,  nay  with  de- 
liberate intention  and  induced  by  other  reasons,  I  have  not 
even  sought  to  guard  against  it.     For  what  I  had  not  only 
principally  but  I  may  say  singly  proposed  to  myself,  was  to 
make  manifest  the  detestable  impiety  of  Servetus.     But  an 
eloquent  treatise  on  the  matters  in  question  would  have  seemed 
a  fetch   of  cunning,  and   by  the  pomp  of  its  style,  not  well 
fitted  to  refute  tenets  so  impious.     In  my  style,  I  do  not  per- 
ceive  that   stateliness   which  you  speak  of;  on  the  contrary, 
I  made  it  my  constant  endeavour,  as  far  as  it  was  possible, 
to  give,  even  to  the  unlettered  reader,  a  clear  notion  of  the 
perplexing  sophisms  of  Servetus,  without    any  troublesome 
deduction  or  laboured  explication.     However,  it  does  not  es- 
cape me,  that  though  I  am  concise  in  all  my  writings,  in   this 
one  I  have  been  more  than  usually  succinct.     But  let  it  only 
appear,  that  with  sincere  faith  and  upright  zeal,  I  have  been 
the  advocate  of  sound  doctrine,  and  this  single  consideration 
will  have  more  weight  with  me  than  that  I  should  repent  of 
the  work  I  have  undertaken.     You  yourself,  from  your  affec- 
tion towards  me.  and  the  natural  candour  and  equity  of  your 
temper,  judge  with  indulgence.      Others  animadvert  on   me 
with  greater  harshness,  that  I  am,  forsooth,  a  master  in  cruelty 
f"    and  atrocity — that  I  now  mangle  with  my  pen  the  dead  man 
\     who  perished  by  my  hands.     There  are  also  some  not  malevo- 
lently disposed,  who  could  wish  that  1  had  never  touched  on 
the  question  of  the  punishment  of  heretics.     For  they  say 
that  all  the  others,  in  order  to  avoid  odium,  have  expressly 
held  their  tongues.     But  it   is  well  that  I  have  you  for  the 
partner  of  my  fault,  if  fault  indeed  there  is,  since  you  were 
my  prompter  and  exhorter.     Look  then  that  you  get  yourself 
ready  for  the  contest.     You  have  been  informed  in  one  of  my 
letters,  that  your  book  on  justifying  grace  was  received  by  me 

1  See  p.  20,  Note  1. 


1554.]  BULLINGER. 


37 


some  time  ago.  Moreover  that  labour,  which  I  trust,  will  be 
useful  to  the  Church,  cannot  but  be  grateful  to  me.  I  wish 
that  the  aptness  of  your  readers  may  correspond  to  your  dili- 
gence. Your  preface  reminded  me  that  I  ought  to  think 
of  what  was  to  be  done  by  us,  of  which  I  had  previously 
written  to  you.  For  though  any  thing  more  foolish  than  the 
book  of  that  good  Westphal  can  hardly  be  conceived,  yet  be- 
cause you  see  that  the  minds  of  the  princes  are  corrupted  by 
such  calumnies,  of  which  we  have  one  sad  example  in  the  re- 
cent conduct  of  the  king  of  Denmark,  it  seems  to  be  our  duty 
to  obviate  such  an  occurrence,  by  all  the  lawful  means  in  our 
power.  Besides  a  refutation  coming  from  the  pen  of  any  pri- 
vate individual  would  carry  with  it  less  weight.  On  the 
other  hand  I  see  how  difficult  it  will  be  to  obtain  the  assent 
of  all  the  churches.  Do  you  then  reflect  in  your  wisdom, 
if  any  method  of  which,  we  should  not  have  to  repent  can  be 

found. 

Most  willingly  I  looked  over  the  answer  which  you  gave 
to  the  Scotsman.1  He  had  talked  over  these  matters  with  me 
before  he  came  among  you.  As  I  had  freely  exposed  to  him 
in  familiar  conversation  my  opinion,  he  did  not  press  the  sub- 
ject any  further,  and  not  even  after  h'is  return,  did  he  ask  me 
to  communicate  to  him  my  ideas  in  writing.  The  substance 
of  what  I  expressed  orally  moreover  tallied  with  what  you 
had  written.  For  respecting  hereditary  succession  in  mon- 
archies, I  had  taken  nearly  the  same  view  as  yourself.2  On 
the  second  head— whether  it  is  lawful  for  us  to  uphold  the 

1  We  read  in  a  letter  from  Bullinger  to  Calvin,  dated  the  26th  March  1554  :— "  I 
have  included  in  this  the  answer  we  have  given  to  the  Scotsman  who  was  recom- 
mended to  us  by  you.  You  will  deliver  it  to  him  when  an  opportunity  offers."  Who 
is  the  personage  thus  designated?  The  learned  Simler  conjectures  that  it  is  Goodman 
or  Knox,  and  seems  to  incline  for  the  former.  It  is  also  the  opinion  of  M.  Heyer  in 
his  interesting  memoir  on  the  English  Colony  established  at  Geneva,  from  1555  to 
1560.  Utmoires  de  la  SociM  d' ArMologie,  torn.  ix.  p.  355.  But  there  can  be  no 
doubt  that  Knox  is  here  intended,  who  in  the  month  of  May,  1554,  had  paid  his  first 
visit  to  Calvin,  and  received  from  him  a  letter  of  introduction  for  Bullinger,  as  he 
himself  informs  us  :  "I  have  travellit  through  all  the  congregations  of  Helvetia,  and 
reasonit  with  all  the  pastouris  and  many  other  excellentlie  learnit  men,  upon  sic  mat- 
ters as  now  I  canot  commit  to  writing,  gladlie  I  would  be  tung  or  be  pen  to  utter  the 
same  to  Godis  glorie."     The  Works  of  John  Knox,  Edinburgh,  1846,  torn.  iii.  p.  225. 

*  See  these  questions  with  the  detailed  answer  of  Bullinger,  "an  answer  given  to  a 


38  BULLINGER.  [1554. 

gospel  by  force  of  arms,  there  was  not  the  least  discrepancy 
between  our  ideas.  About  the  government  of  women  I  ex- 
pressed myself  thus :  Since  it  is  utterly  at  variance  with  the 
legitimate  order  of  nature,  it  ought  to  be  counted  among  the 
judgments  with  which  God  visits  us;  and  even  in  this  matter 
his  extraordinary  grace  is  sometimes  very  conspicuous,  because 
to  reproach  men  for  their  sluggishness,  he  raises  up  women 
endowed  not  only  with  a  manly  but  a  heroic  spirit,  as  in  the 
case  of  Deborah  we  have  an  illustrious  example.  But  though 
a  government  of  this  kind  seems  to  me  nothing  else  than  a 
mere  abuse,  yet  I  gave  it  as  my  solemn  opinion,  that  private 
persons  have  no  right  to  do  any  thing  but  to  deplore  it.  For 
a  gynaecocracy  or  female  rule  badly  organized  is  like  a  tyranny, 
and  is  to  be  tolerated  till  God  sees  fit  to  overthrow  it.  If  any 
tumult  shall  arise  for  the  sake  of  religion,  I  pronounced  that 
to  me  it  seems  the  better  and  the  safer  course,  to  remain  quiet 
till  some  peculiar  call  for  interference  should  clearly  appear 
— that  it  is  our  duty  rather  to  ask  God  for  a  spirit  of  modera- 
tion and  prudence,  to  stand  us  in  aid  in  the  critical  moment, 
than  to  agitate  idle  enquiries. 

The  state  of  our  church  still  continues  to  be  wavering,  but 
I  am  obliged  to  break  off,  because  since  the  time  that  I  found 
fitting  messengers  to  whom  I  might  venture  to  entrust  my 
letter,  I  have  been  prevented  by  the  pressure  of  other  busi- 
ness from  continuing  it,  as  I  should  have  wished,  any  further. 
Farewell  then,  most  accomplished  sir,  and  to  me  highly  es- 
teemed brother  in  the  Lord.  Do  not  fail  to  salute  in  my 
name,  M.  Gualter,  Pellican,  and  the  other  pastors.  In  their 
turn,  my  colleagues,  the  Marquis  de  Yico,  and  many  other 
friends  salute  you.  May  the  Lord  continually  protect  and 
bless  you  and  your  family. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich,  Colloq.     Gest.  vi,  105,  p.  597.] 

certain  Scotsman  in  reply  to  some  questions  concerning  the  kingdom  of  Scotland 
and  England."     Knox's  Works,  torn.  iii.  p.  221  and  the  following. 


1554.]  FAREL.  39 

CCCXLIX.— To  Farel. 

Gloomy  prospects  of  Geneva — foreign  news — ultra-Lutheran  intolerance  in  Germany. 

Geneva,  25/^  May  1554. 

Because  out  of  that  vast  mass  of  subjects  which  the  oppor- 
tunity of  writing  to  you  suggests  to  me,  I  have  no  leisure, 
occupied  as  I  am  at  present,  to  make  a  choice,  I  am  forced  to 
write  to  you  a  short  and  dry  letter.  To  the  state  of  our  own 
affairs  I  dislike  to  allude.  I  wish  that  some  change  would 
speedily  furnish  me  with  a  less  uncertain  argument.  But, 
believe  me,  the  insolence  of  the  bad  spreads  more  wildly  than 
ever.  I  augur  no  good  from  it.  I  pass  therefore  to  other 
persons.  Immense  preparations  of  war  threaten  Italy.  The 
devastations  committed  in  our  Picardy  will  perhaps  exempt 
it  from  paying  any  taxes  this  year.  As  it  is  shrewdly  sus- 
pected that  the  emperor  is  marching  upon  Naples,  the  king 
is  drawing  together  his  troops  to  act  in  that  quarter.  The 
king  of  Spain  has  disembarked  in  England.  How  long  he 
will  maintain  his  present  quiet  attitude  is  uncertain.  I  sup- 
pose that  in  your  part  of  the  world,  people  are  not  ignorant 
of  the  convulsions  in  Germany.  You  will  learn  from  a  letter 
of  M.  Laski,1  which  I  send  you,  in  how  savage  a  manner  these 
madmen  conduct  themselves,  who,  under  the  name  of  Luther, 
are  at  present  making  an  onset  upon  us.  In  a  small  compass 
you  will  find  a  copious  detail,  which  I  have  not  yet  had  leisure 
to  peruse.  Send  me  back  the  letter  and  the  papers  as  soon  as 
you  can,  that  I  may  give  him  an  answer.  Dear  Farel,  how  I 
wish  that  all  men  would  accustom  themselves  to  bear  their 
cross,  and  at  the  same  time  surmount  all  stumbling-blocks ! 
Above  all,  this  should  be  our  study  that  the  disciples  of 
Christ  may  feel  no  surprise  because  affairs  are  everywhere  in 
disorder  and  confusion.  I  dispense  with  more  particulars, 
because  I  have  not  sufficient  time. — Yours,  John  Calvin. 
[Lot.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 

'  This  letter  is  preserved  among  the  manuscripts  of  the  Imperial  Library  of  Paris. 
(Coll.  Dupuy,  268.)     See  the  following  letter. 


40  JOHN  LASKI.  [1554. 


CCCL.— To  John  Laski.1 

Expression  of  sympathy  under  his  trials — loud  complaints  of  the  intolerance  of  the 
German  theologians. 

Geneva,  May  15o4.s 

I  have  not  replied  to  you,  very  distinguished  sir,  and  much 
honoured  brother,  so  early  as  you  expected,  because  I  thought 
my  delay  would  occasion  you  no  great  inconvenience.  For 
though  a  young  Frieslander  set  out  from  this  place,  since  I 
received  your  letter,  I  did  not  think  fit  to  trust  him  with  my 
answer,  which  I  hardly  thought  would  reach  you  sooner  by 
the  very  circuitous  route  which  he  intends  to  take.  Another 
person  left  this  shortly  after,  but  he  too  purposed  to  hold  an 
indirect  course.  Moreover  M.  de  Sechelles,  who  had  brought 
me  your  letter,  quitted  us  abruptly,  leaving  with  me  Mr. 
Cheke  and  Mr.  Morison  who  were  afterwards  obliged  to  set  out 
for  Italy.  This  is  the  reason  why  I  allowed  a  very  suit- 
able messenger,  to  go  away  empty-handed,  one,  at  least,  who 
would  have  taken  care,  that  whatever  I  wrote  should  be  safely 

1  See  vol.  ii.  pp.  360,  361,  Notes.  On  the  death  of  Edward  VI.,  the  congregation 
of  Protestants  under  the  charge  of  John  Laski,  obtained  permission  to  quit  London 
and  embark  for  the  Low  Countries.  A  storm  dispersed  their  little  fleet,  and  the  ship 
in  which  Laski  sailed,  found  shelter  in  the  Danish  port  of  Elsinore;  but  the  intoler- 
ance of  the  Lutheran  ministers  did  not  long  respect  this  asylum.  Favourably  received 
at  first  by  Christian  III.,  a  mild  and  pious  prince,  Laski  was  before  long  violently 
attacked  by  the  theologians  of  the  court,  Westphal  and  Bugenhagen,  who  represented 
the  wandering  members  of  the  Church  of  London,  as  so  many  infidels,  unworthy  of 
the  name  of  Christian,  styling  them  the  Devil's  Martyrs.  Led  away  by  their  coun- 
sels, the  king  ordered  the  refugees  to  evacuate  the  country,  and  they  were  obliged  to 
re-embark  during  a  tempestuous  season,  and  sail  through  a  thousand  perils  in  quest 
of  some  more  hospitable  shore.  This  shameful  violation  of  hospitality,  renewed  by 
the  Lutherans  of  Lubec,  Hamburg,  and  Rostock,  excited  the  lively  indignation  of  the 
Reformed  Churches  of  Switzerland,  which  we  find  eloquently  expressed  in  this  letter 
of  Calvin  to  Laski.  Having  retired  to  Friesland,  where  he  had  a  few  years  previously 
founded  several  churches,  Laski  very  soon  afterwards  directed  his  steps  to  Frankfort, 
■where  we  shall  find  him  asrain  at  a  later  period. — Krasinski,  Hist.  Relig.  des  Peuplet 
Slaves,  C.  viii.  pp.  135,  136,  and  Hospinian,  Hist.  8aer,  p.  394. 

a  Without  a  date,  but  written  doubtless  about  the  end  of  May  1554,  in  answer  to  a 
letter  of  Laski  of  the  13th  March.  (Imperial  Library  of  Paris.  Coll.  Dupuy,  vol. 
268.) 


1554.]  JOHN   LASKT.  41 

and  faithfully  delivered  to  you.  Now  if  you  expect  that  I 
shall  pay  you  with  interest  for  my  delay,  you  will  be  mistaken. 
Nor  indeed  do  I  suppose  that  you  have  any  great  wish  for  a 
favour  of  this  kind,  which  would  take  up  your  time  without 
much  profit.  For  I  am  not  furnished  with  a  subject  like  that 
of  your  letter,  the  perusal  of  which,  though  far  from  being 
gay,  was  yet  both  profitable  and  delightful.  And  if  the 
account  of  your  wanderings  gave  me  the  most  poignant  sor- 
row, the  adventures  themselves  possessed  that  kind  of  interest 
which  rendered  them,  I  frankly  avow,  an  admirable  subject 
for  a  narrative.  I  doubt  not  but  many  others  share  my  sen- 
timents on  that  head.  Your  pains  then  were  well  bestowed 
in  writing  out  these  details,  and  perhaps  it  will  be  expedient 
to  give  them  by  and  by  a  wider  circulation.  For  my  own 
part,  I  have  already  reaped  from  them  no  contemptible  fruits, 
though  it  was  with  the  saddest  and  bitterest  feelings  that  I 
learned  the  cruelty  of  the  Danes.  Good  God! — so  much  in- 
humanity in  a  christian  people,  that  the  sea  itself  was  merci- 
ful in  comparison  !  When  the  report  was  spread  about  here, 
that  a  signal  had  been  hoisted  by  the  king  to  the  unfortunate 
brethren,  who.  exiled  from  England,  were  in  quest  of  a  new 
retreat,  there  was  so  sudden  a  burst  of  joy,  that  one  would 
have  thought  that  this  single  act  sufficed  to  procure  him  im- 
mortal honour.  Now  I  fear  he  has  called  down  on  his  head 
the  terrible  vengeance  of  God,  no  less  than  he  has  covered 
himself  with  infamy  in  the  eyes  of  men.  And  the  more  I 
had  celebrated  his'  humanity,  the  bitterer  is  my  disappoint- 
ment to  find,  that  his  mild  temper  had  been  so  much  exaspe- 
rated by  these  intermeddling  busy  bodies,  whose  perfidy  is  no 
less  detestable  than  their  cruelty,  for  it  was  their  duty  rather 
to  have  appeased  him  supposing  he  had  been  irritated.  But 
a  diabolical  fury  it  would  seem  has  seized  upon  all  that  mari- 
time region  ;  the  contagion  has  spread  into  Saxony  and  the 
adjoining  countries  to  such  a  degree,  that  they  know  neither 
bounds  nor  shame  in  venting  their  rage  on  us.  A  most  de- 
lectable spectacle,  you  may  be  sure,  to  the  Papists!  The 
more  reason  why  we  should  make  an  effort  to  devour  these 
evils  in  silence,  since  we  cannot  publish  them  without  bring- 
6 


42  JOHN    LASKI.  [1554. 

ing  dishonour  on  the  gospel.  And  yet  as  it  was  clear  to  me, 
that  the  intemperance  of  that  party  was  hateful  to  all  learned 
and  moderate  men,  I  conceived  that  we  ought  not  to  maintain 
an  absolute  silence ;  and  certainly  it  was  not  my  fault  that 
some  expedient  was  not  adopted  by  us,  at  the  very  first,  for 
putting  a  check  upon  them.  Our  most  excellent  brother, 
Bullinger,  took  a  different  view  of  the  matter,  and  thought 
that  our  victory  would  be  best  secured  by  our  silence  and  for- 
bearance. Lest  my  assiduity  should  give  offence,  or  beget 
mistrust,  I  have  abstained  from  busying  myself  too  much 
about  the  affair.  Of  late,  however,  he  has  changed  his  mind, 
tired,  I  suppose,  of  giving  his  enemies  so  much  advantage, 
and  has  of  his  own  accord  exhorted  me  to  confute  in  a  short 
tract  their  atrocious  calumnies.  This  I  have  promised  to  do. 
But  as  I  was  busily  engaged  with  Genesis  up  to  the  time  of 
the  fair,  and  as  I  required  the  general  assent  of  those  whose 
defence  I  had  undertaken,  I  have  done  nothing  to  it  as  yet. 
As  soon,  however,  as  I  shall  have  fairly  set  about  it,  I  hope 
to  produce  a  lucubration  without  much  delay.  But  to  return 
to  yourself,  reverend  brother,  I  think  you  have  set  an  ex- 
ample doubly  praiseworthy  ;  first,  in  having  contended  you 
and  your  companions  with  the  savage  ferocity  and  haughti- 
ness of  that  wild  monster,1  not  less  mildly  and  modestly  than 
with  dignified  sedateness  ;  next  in  having  preserved  the  same 
uniform  course  of  moderation,  as  often  as  others,  with  like 
violence,  have  let  loose  their  rage  against  you.  In  consider- 
ing the  undisguised  defence  of  the  truth  of  so  much  import- 
ance, that  after  being  cruelly  tossed  about  both  by  sea  and 
land,  you  have  not  shrunk  from  affronting  for  its  sake  a  fresh 
exile,  you  have  by  such  steadfastness  offered  to  God,  a  sweet- 
smelling  sacrifice,  as  well  as  given  to  all  pious  men  a  useful 
example.  I  rejoice  that  the  Lord  has  at  length  looked  down 
upon  you,  so  that  you  have  found  a  tranquil  haven,  in  which 

1  We  read  in  an  account  of  the  voyage  of  Laski,  and  his  expulsion  from  Elsinore 
by  the  Lutheran  ministers,  the  following  passage  : — "  There  was  among  them  one  of 
the  principal  ministers  of  the  word  of  God,  (if  God  will  allow  me  to  give  him  this 
title,)  who,  when  he  was  so  hardly  pressed,  by  one  of  our  people,  that  he  had  nothing 
to  answer,  exclaimed,  Hold  your  peace  or  I  will  run  you  through  the  body  with 
this  boar  spear." 


1554.]  THE   BRETHREN    OF   POITOU.  43 

you  may  not  only  find  rest,  but  also  employ  yourselves  in 
profitable  labour  for  the  cause  of  God  and  of  his  church.  May 
the  Lord  enrich  with  every  blessing  that  very  illustrious  lady1 
who  has  so  kindly  and  graciously  extended  to  you  her  mater- 
nal hand. 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 


CCCLI. — To  the  Brethren  of  Poitou.2 

Christian  exhortations — instructions  relative  to  the  use  of  the  Sacraments. 

Geneva,  19th  June  1554. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  be  always  upon  you,  through  the  communication  of  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

Dearly  beloved  Brethren, — Though  we  feel  due  com- 
passion for  your  captivity,  yet  have  we  wherewithal  to  rejoice 
and  praise  God  for  the  constancy  with  which  he  hath  endowed 
you,  in  such  measure  that  neither  fear  nor  threats  prevent  you 
from  cleaving  to  him  and  to  his  truth.  This  also  is  your  duty, 
for  it  is  perfectly  right  that  his  honour  should  be  preferred  to 
our  own  life.  Moreover  we  know  that,  on  quitting  the  world 
to  arrive  at  the  heavenly  glory,  we  make  an  exchange  which 
brings  us  in  an  inestimable  gain.  Wherefore,  my  brethren, 
take  courage,  as  you  have  done  hitherto,  to  walk  in  upright- 
ness, stretching  towards  the  mark  which  is  laid  before  us. 
Should  a  great  part,  even  of  those  who  have  tasted  of  the  truth 
of  God,  go  astray  to  their  perdition,  be  not  corrupted  by  their 
example;  for  you  know  that  the  path  of  salvation  is  styled 
narrow,  because  very  few  lay  their  account  with  humbling 

1  The  countess  of  Embden,  who  after  Calvin's  death  engaged  in  a  pious  corres- 
pondence with  Theodore  Beza. 

2  To  the  Brethren  of  *  *  *  without  any  other  indication.  The  attentive  comparison 
of  this  letter  with  that  of  the  3d  September  following  addressed  to  the  brethren  of 
Poitou,  induces  us  to  believe  that  it  was  also  addressed  to  the  scattered  congregations 
of  this  province,  before  the  period  at  which  they  were  definitively  transformed  into 
churches. 


44  THE   BRETHREN   OF    POITOU.  [1554. 

themselves  to  follow  Jesus  Christ  in  sharing  his  cross,  but 
rather  choose  to  divert  themselves  with  their  vanities.  You 
do  well  also  to  assemble  yourselves,  both  to  invoke  the  name 
of  God  in  common,  and  also  to  receive  good  and  holy  instruc- 
tion, according  as  God  gives  grace  to  some  to  edify  the  others. 
For,  considering  what  frailty  there  is  in  us,  such  exercises  are 
necessary  for  us,  till  we  be  removed  from  this  world.  Espe- 
cially when  Satan  makes  such  efforts  to  destroy  our  faith,  we 
have  so  much  the  more  need  to  be  thoroughly  fortified. 

In  what  concerns  the  use  of  the  sacraments,  it  behoves  you 
to  proceed  with  such  precautions  that  you  build  not  except 
on  a  solid  foundation.  When  you  meet  together,  each  one 
may  produce  what  has  been  given  him  by  God,  and  whoever 
has  received  more  should  in  like  manner  distribute  more 
abundantly.  And  those  who  have  not  yet  made  so  much 
progress  should,  with  all  humbleness  and  modesty,  receive  what 
is  laid  before  them.  But  to  teach  is  a  very  different  thing 
from  administering  the  sacraments.  For  to  have  a  man  who 
ma}'  distribute  to  you  the  holy  supper  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
first  of  all  he  must  be  elected  and  chosen  by  you  with  common 
accord.  And  in  order  to  do  this  you  must  have  a  certain  es- 
tablished body  constituted  as  a  church.  You  must  be  resolved 
to  follow  up  the  train  and  order  of  assembling  yourselves, 
which  you  have  already  begun.  Not  that  we  require  of  you  a 
public  confession,  for  we  are  well  aware  of  the  strict  bondage 
in  which  ye  are  held,  and  under  these  circumstances  it  is  quite 
sufficient  that  the  little  flock  should  assemble  in  secret.  So 
that,  in  fine,  it  is  necessary  that  you  should  have  this  decent 
pretext  and  this  concord  in  continuing  together,  both  for  joint 
prayers  and  for  the  preaching  of  the  word,  in  order  to  have  the 
form  of  a  church.  This  presupposed,  when  there  shall  be 
found  among  you  a  man  fit  to  be  called  to  the  office  of  pastor, 
it  will  be  his  duty  to  minister  unto  you  in  the  sacraments. 
But  take  heed  that  those  who  thus  come  together  apart  to  re- 
ceive the  sacraments  in  such  purity  as  God  hath  ordained,  do 
not  mingle  in  Popish  superstitions,  but  that  you  may  be  in 
reality  separated  from  everything  that  is  opposed  to  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.     Further  remember  that  it  is  not  for  us  to  sepa- 


lo'A.]  MADAME   DE    CANY.  45 

rate  what  God  has  conjoined,  and  that  along  with  the  use  of 
the  Lord's  supper,  we  are  required  to  have  baptism  also.  For 
if,  after  having  communicated  at  the  table  of  our  Lord  Jesus, 
you  should  carry  your  children  to  the  priests,  this  would  be 
a  pollution  not  to  be  endured.  We  say  not  this  to  slacken 
you  from  what  is  good,  for  our  earnest  desire  is  that  you 
should  enjoy,  like  ourselves,  the  means  and  helps  which  God 
hath  ordained  to  fortify  your  faith.  But  certes  it  is  better  to 
abstain  for  a  short  time  from  what  is  good  and  profitable  than 
to  profane  holy  things  by  levity.  In  that  case,  when  you  see 
that  you  cannot  obtain  what  is  requisite  for  the  use  of  the 
sacraments,  lament  in  prayer  to  God  that  he  may  advance  you 
and  supply  your  deficiencies,  to  the  end  that  you  be  not  always 
deprived  of  the  blessings  which  he  has  left  to  his  children,  and 
strive  rather  to  correct  the  vices  which  prevent  you  from 
being  sharers  of  them,  than  to  nourish  yourselves  in  your  in- 
firmity. 

As  I  was  limited  for  time  you  will  excuse  the  brevity  of 
this  letter.  The  brethren  salute  you,— only  I  do  not  compre- 
hend who  this  Mr.  Richard  can  be,  whom  you  speak  of.  For 
we  have  no  one  in  our  company  of  that  name.  To  conclude, 
we  pray  God  that  he  would  be  pleased  to  increase  in  you  his 
grace,  conducting  you  by  his  Spirit  in  all  prudence  and  virtue, 
to  make  you  subservient  to  his  glory  and  to  have  you  in  his 
protection,  till  we  be  all  called  away  to  reap  the  eternal  in- 
heritance which  has  been  acquired  for  us  by  his  only  Son. 
[Fr.  copy.— Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107.] 


CCCLIL— To  Madame  de  Cany.1 

He  urges  her  to  quit  the  spiritual  bondage  in  which  she  is  held  captive,  by  withdraw- 
ing to  Geneva. 

24th  July  1554. 

Madame,— I  hope  by  this  time  God  will  have  touched  you  in 
good  earnest,  to  make  you  quit  the  captivity  in  which  you 

'  On  the  back  of  the  letter  in  Charles  de  Jonvillers's  hand  writing  is  :  "He  wrote 
this  letter  to  Madame  de  Cany,  who,  he  had  been  told,  was  on  the  point  of  leaving 
France.     A  person  named  A.  Dymonet  carried  it  to  her." 


46  MADAME   DE    CANY.  [1554. 

have  so  long  languished.  Not  that  I  think  that  heretofore  the 
intention  you  had  to  that  end  was  not  good,  but  because  you 
marched  so  slackly  that  it  was  not  the  way  to  advance  rapidly. 
If  God  has  let  you  feel  the  spur  a  little,  it  should  not  be  for 
you  matter  of  too  much  surprise.  For  if  Lot,  who  had  so 
great  a  desire  to  get  out  of  that  bottomless  pit,  Sodom,  yet 
needed  the  angel  to  seize  him  by  the  arm  and  pull  him  out, 
as  it  were,  by  force,  still  more  is  it  necessary  that  the  God  of 
mercies  should  come  to  the  aid  of  our  sloth  or  lukewarmness. 
Now  that  you  are  on  the  point  of  escaping,  be  vigilant  to  turn 
the  opportunity  to  good  account.  I  say  this  because  it  appears 
that  you  have  yet  some  intentions  of  going  backwards  and 
forwards  on  business,  a  thing  which  I  by  no  means  approve  of. 
For  you  have  delayed  but  too  long  already,  and  there  is  danger 
that  God  may  upset  your  plans.  If  you  wait  for  a  full  winding 
up  of  your  affairs,  you  will  never  see  the  end  of  them.  Besides 
God  wills  that  we  quit  for  his  sake  not  only  some  portion  of 
worldly  goods,  but  life  itself.  Reckon  then  that  he  spares 
you  enough,  and  more  than  enough,  in  giving  you  where- 
with to  support  you  during  the  rest  of  your  life;  and  remain 
satisfied  with  that.  For  certainly  if  you  do  not  shut  your 
eyes  on  what  you  leave  behind,  ceasing  to  regret  what  is  at 
present  rather  an  incumbrance  to  you,  you  will  never  be  ready 
to  seek  Jesus  Christ.  There  is  still  another  consideration. 
God  desires  to  teach  us  to  trust  to  his  providence.  Thus  see- 
ing that  you  cannot  regulate  everything,  resign  into  his  hands 
what  might  long  retard  you.  I  do  not  give  you  this  advice 
because  I  take  pleasure  in  making  you  poor,  neither  am  I 
urged  on  to  too  great  a  precipitancy.  Therefore  I  entreat  you, 
in  the  name  of  God,  to  make  short  work  with  the  undertakings 
that  put  off  your  departure.  Having  taken  a  firm  resolution, 
if  you  proceed  with  courage,  I  am  convinced  that  in  less  than 
a  month  you  will  get  over  what  you  fancy  would  require  half 
a  year.  But  you  must  not  lose  a  moment  in  breaking  through 
all  restraints. 

Moreover,  because  it  is  our  belief  that  every  obstacle  will 
be  thrown  in  your  way,  we  have  made  it  a  point  to  provide 
you  with  some  assistance,  even  before  it  was  required  of  us. 


1554]  CHARLES   DUMOULIN.  47 

With  this  view  we  have  begged  the  bearer  to  undertake  the 
journey,  judging  that  he  would  spare  you  considerable  em- 
barrassments. God  has  offered  him  to  us  in  the  very  nick  of 
time.  As  for  his  .probity,  it  is  so  well  known  to  us,  that  we 
have  no  doubts  on  that  head.  I  should  have  no  hesitation  in 
confiding  to  him  the  greatest  treasures,  if  I  had  them.  In  the 
next  place,  he  is  a  man  of  great  experience,  who  will  be  able 
to  manage  your  case  as  well  as  we,  or  better  than  we  could  by 
any  written  instructions.  Thirdly,  he  is  well  known  and 
especially  by  persons  of  note.  Therefore  I  beg  of  you  not  to 
neglect  the  opportunity  which  God  now  offers  you.  For  that 
the  intimation  comes  from  God  we  make  no  doubt. 

Madame,  to  conclude,  after  having  commended  myself  to 
your  kind  favour,  I  pray  God  to  increase  you  in  prudence  and 
virtue,  to  direct  you  in  everything  according  to  his  will,  and 
to  have  you  in  his  protection. 

Your  servant  and  humble  brother, 

Charles  D'Espeville. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.     Yol.  107.] 


CCCLIII.— To  Charles  Dumoulin.1 

Congratulations  on  the  subject  of  the  chair  obtained  by  Dumonlin  in  the  University 
of  Tubingen— eulogium  of  Melchior  Wolmar— sage  counsels. 

Geneva,  29rt  July  1554. 

I  hope  you  will  excuse  me,  my  most  worthy  sir,  if  since  the 
time  you  went  to  settle  at  Tubingen  you  have  not  received 
from  me  any  letters.     For  as  I   had  nothing  worth  writing 

'  To  that  most  accomplished  man  and  highly  honoured  friend,  M.  Charles  Dumoulin, 

Jurisconsult. 

Charles  Dumoulin,  one  of  the  most  celebrated  jurisconsults  of  the  sixteenth  century, 
born  at  Paris  in  1500,  and  deceased  in  1566,  descended  from  a  noble  family,  connected 
with  that  of  Anne  de  Boleyn,  the  unfortunate  wife  of  Henry  VIII.  He  declared  early 
for  the  Reformed  doctrines,  and  joined  in  1542  the  little  flock  of  the  Church  of  Pans. 
Nine  years  later,  in  1551,  in  a  bold  commentary  composed  on  the  occasion  of  the  dif- 
ferences that  had  taken  place  between  the  king  of  France.  Henry  II.,  end  Pope  Julius 
III.,  he  attacked  the  abuses  of  the  Church  of  Rome  in  the  collation  of  benefices,  and 
thus   incurred  dangerous  enmitios,  to  which  he  was   abandoned   by  the  ungrateful 


43  CHARLES   DUMOULIN.  [1554, 

about,  I  fancied  that  the  omission  of  this  duty  could  not  be 
very  disagreeable  to  you.  At  last  I  have  received  in  one  day 
a  couple  of  letters  from  you,  whence  you  will  conclude  that 
the  former  of  them  before  it  came  to  hand  must  have  been 
straying  a  good  while  on  the  road.  Heartily  do  I  congratulate 
first  yourself  and  next  the  many  persons  who  shall  derive  ad- 
vantage from  your  instructions,  on  your  appointment  to  an 
office  worthy  of  your  rank,  and  in  which  you  may  usefully 
employ  your  talents  for  the  public  good.  That  you  should 
have  encountered  some  molestation,  though  I  am,  as  you  may 
well  believe,  very  sorry,  yet  this  should  not  seem  at  all  sur- 
prising to  you.  For  as  in  the  town  you  now  inhabit,  there  is 
still  a  numerous  residue  of  the  dregs  of  the  Papist  population, 
it  is  not  possible  that  you  should  want  bitter  enemies.  There 
is  also  a  class  of  morose  people  as  thoroughly  dogged  as  they 
are  fond  of  contentions,  who  cannot  like  or  even  abide  any 
one  who  does  not  chime  in  with  their  own  set.  It  is  better 
however  to  deaden  the  attacks  of  these  people  by  a  sage 
moderation,  than  to  engage  with  them  in  open  warfare.  And 
for  your  imitation  on  this  point,  I  think  I  might  propose  to 
you  as  a  model,  Melchior  Wolmar,1  that  most  distinguished 
man,  adorned  with  the  rarest  virtue,  whose  firmness  was  so 
inflexible,  that  it  never  gave  way  to  their  brutality,  and  yet 
he  never  repelled  their  violent  attacks  so  much  by  his  vehe- 
mence, as  he  destroyed  the  effects  of  them  by  a  calm  and 
equable  temper.  For  I  have  no  doubt  also  that  these  men 
obtain  more  favour  at  court  than  is  compatible  with  the  public 
interests.  And  hence  it  happened,  I  suspect,  that  when  I 
dedicated  to  the  illustrious  Duke  certain  commentaries  which 
you  know,  he  never  deigned  to  show  by  a  single  word  that 


monarch  to  whose  service  he  had  lent  the  aid  of  his  learning  and  talents.  Obliged  to 
quit  France,  he  repaired  successively  to  Basle,  Geneva,  and  Neuchatel ;  and  accepted 
in  1553,  a  law  professor's  chair  at  the  Academy  of  Tubingen,  in  the  state.*  of  tbe 
Duke  of  Wurtemberg.  He  there  opened  his  course  of  lectures  with  much  distinction 
on  the  25th  February  1554,  a  few  months  before  the  period  in  which  he  received  this 
new  letter  from  the  Reformer  with  whom  he  had  maintained  an  intercourse  for  several 
years.     Pee  vol.  110  of  the  manuscript  of  the  Library  of  Geneva. 

1  Melchior  Wolmar,  Calvin's  professor  at  the  University  of  Orleans.     See  vol.  i.  p. 
29,  Note  1. 


1554.]  CHARLES    DUMOULIN.  49 

my  courtesy  was  agreeable  to  him.1  For  which  reason  I  am 
of  opinion  that  you  should  study  to  make  these  men  feel  that 
they  have  to  do  with  a  peaceable  and  gentle,  but  by  no  means 
a  timid  man. 

About  a  printer,  if  any  proper  one  should  present  himself, 
I  shall  certainly  not  neglect  your  commission.  But  here  is 
how  the  matter  stands:  It  is  difficult  to  detach  from  this  place 
those  who  are  in  competent  circumstances.  Poverty  detains 
others;  nor  indeed  do  I  fancy  they  could  be  of  much  use  to 
you  unless  they  came  well  provided  with  all  that  is  requisite 
fur  carrying  on  their  art.  I  may  add  that  if  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  have  all  the  apparatus  of  their  workshop  transported 
along  with  them,  the  expenses  would  be  greater  than  the  thing 
is  worth.  Farewell  most  accomplished  sir,  and  ever  respected 
friend,  may  God  continue  to  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  and 
surround  you  by  his  protection  and  favour.  I  have  lost  all 
hope  of  your  wife's  arrival.2  This  is  a  sad  thing  for  me,  but 
on  the  contrary  it  is  pleasant  to  learn  that  the  threatening 
cloud  that,  it  was  reported,  was  ready  to  burst  on  your  head, 
has  been  dissipated.  If  M.  Vergerio  is  among  you,  will  you 
courteously  salute  him  in  my  name?     Yours, 

Johx  Calvin. 

I  was  about  to  send  this  by  a  young  Frieslander,  but  as  I 
had  resolved  to  join  another  to  it  for  M.  Melchior,  I  have 
delayed  up  to  the  present  moment.3 

[Lat.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 

1  It  is  the  commentary  on  the  Epistle  of  St.  Paul  to  the  Galatians,  dedicated  to 
Christopher,  Duke  of  Wurtemberg,  1st  February  1548. 

a  Louisa  de  Beldon,  daughter  of  a  recorder  of  the  Parliament  of  Paris.  She  rejoined 
her  husband,  to  whom  she  was  nevertheless  piously  devoted,  but  two  years  later,  and 
died  in  1556. 

*  September  7th. 


50  THE    DUCHESS   OF   FERRARA.  [1554. 


CCCLIY. — To  the  Duchess  of  Ferrara.1 

He  sends  to  her  a  minister  to  support  her  amid  the  persecutions  which  she  endures 
for  the  cause  of  truth. 

Geneva,  6th  August  1554. 

Madam, — My  anxiety  has  been  so  great  since  your  old  ser- 
vant2 passed  by  here,  that  it  has  at  last  made  me  change  my 
design ;  for  if  you  have  been  in  perplexity,  I  assure  you  that 
I  too  have  had  my  full  share ;  and  though  on  the  first  view  I 
had  thought  it  best  to  suspend  the  journey  of  the  man  about 
whom  I  had  written  to  you,  after  diverse  reflections,  it  ap- 
peared to  me  that  at  least  he  could  not  fail  to  offer  to  you  his 
service  in  your  present  necessity  ;  for  if  we  let  slip  this  oppor- 
tunity of  assisting  you,  there  may  be  danger  of  our  coming 
too  late  to  your  aid,  not  to  mention  that  the  time  seems  to  me 
very  tedious,  inasmuch  as  I  have  had  no  news  of  your  state. 
And  would  to  God,  that  I  were  at  liberty  to  offer  you  my 
services  in  person,  but  because  God  keeps  me  confined  here, 
I  have  selected  the  bearer  of  this  letter3  as  the  man,  as  far  as  I 
can  judge,  the  best  calculated  to  render  you  every  kind  of 
service,  both  in  what  concerns  his  doctrine,  and  his  fitness  for 
the  situation  of  almoner.  I  think  him  so  well  qualified  that 
you  will  have  occasion  to  praise  God  for  it.  As  he  is  a  gen- 
tleman of  an  honourable  house,  he  can  be  so  much  the  better 
employed  in  his  connections  with  those  who  seek  to  drive 
away  the  good,  when  in  the  eyes  of  the  world  they  have  not 
the  advantage  of  birth.     No  doubt  our  attention  should  be 


1  See  the  note,  vol.  i.  p.  295.  At  the  top  of  the  letter  we  read  these  words  written 
by  the  hand  of  Charles  Jonvillers  : — "He  wrote  this  letter  to  the  Duchess  of  Ferrara 
by  one  named  Colonges,  who  went  to  her  while  the  poor  lady  was  deeply  afflicted  by 
the  pursuit  of  her  nephew,  the  king  of  France;  and  he  left  this  about  a  month  after 
Lyon  Jamet  passed  through  this  town  in  post,  going  towards  her  to  solicit  her  to 
make  no  longer  any  Christian  profession.  It  is  he  whom  he  names  her  ancient  ser- 
vant." 

3  Lyon  Jamet,  the  friend  of  Clement  Marot,  and  secretary  of  the  Duchess  of  Fer- 
rara. 

s  The  Minister  Francis  de  Morel,  surnamed  Monsieur  de  Colonges. 


1554.]  THE    DUCHESS   OF    FERRARA.  Ol 

fixed  on  the  main  point,  and  what  is  more,  nobility  of  birth  is 
not  a  thing  to  be  desired,  did  a  man  value  himself  on  that  ac- 
count, seeing  that  he  would  thereby  be  prevented  from  serv- 
ing God.  But  you  will  find  in  this  man,  as  I  trust,  neither 
vanity  nor  pride,  since  he  is  one  who  believes  that  the  chil- 
dren of  God  should  be  directed  by  a  spirit  of  modesty  and 
humility.  Moreover  though  he  is  courteous  and  affable  to- 
wards his  inferiors,  humble  towards  those  to  whom  honour  is 
due,  modest  towards  all ;  yet  withal  such  is  his  exemplary  life, 
his  habitual  self-possession,  and  his  becoming  manner  in 
teaching,  that  these  qualities  would  give  him  authority  to 
acquit  himself  of  his  duty  in  what  you  desire  of  him.  Of  the 
zeal  and  devotedness  which  he  has  to  render  you  service,  you 
may  judge  by  this,  Madame,  that  upon  his  first  entry  upon  his 
functions  he  has  preferred  being  a  partaker  of  your  cross,  and 
suffering  along  with  you  in  your  straits,  to  waiting  till  he 
might  come  to  you  without  any  fear  of  molestation.  This 
trait  dispenses  me  from  giving  him  any  further  recommenda- 
tion;  only  I  beg  of  you,  Madame,  to  receive  him  not  as  one 
sent  by  me,  but  rather  directed  to  you  by  God,  as  indeed  I 
doubt  not  but  you  will  experience  that  your  heavenly  Father 
has  intended  to  confer  on  you  this  benefit.  In  the  mean  time 
he  will  inform  you,  that  there  is  a  virtuous  lady  who  has 
promised  him,  that  she  will  enter  your  service  when  it  shall 
please  you  to  send  for  her.1  I  am  aware  that  in  such  a  place, 
a  woman  of  the  bumble  class  would  not  only  be  exposed  to 
envy,  but  even  to  suspicion,  and  looked  upon  with  an  evil 
eye.  For  that  reason,  I  reckon  it  an  advantage,  that  the  lady 
in  question  is  of  honourable  birth,  and  what  she  seeks  is  the 
privilege  of  being  able  to  serve  God  in  serving  you.  Though 
I  have  never  seen  her,  I  have  been  so  long  accustomed  to  hear 
her  virtues  commended  by  many  estimable  people,  that  I 
hope  your  house  will  be  blessed  in  possessing  her.  But  I 
leave  the  bearer  to  inform  you  of  the  rest,  with  whom  you 

1  The  Duchess  of  Ferrara  had  asked  Calvin  for  two  widow  ladies,  to  have  the  care 
and  direction  of  the  young  ladies  of  her  house.  This  demand  is  exposed  in  a  piece 
entitled  -.—Memoir  of  Louis  de  Mauruy,  master  of  our  wardrobe  and  valet  de  chamlre 
at  Ferrara,  to  communicate  and  shew  to  Monsieur  d' Espeville. 


52  sulzer.  [1554. 

will  have  it  in  your  power  to  discourse  more  fully  on  that  and 
other  subjects. 

Wherefore,  Madam,  in  conclusion,  after  having  humbly 
commended  myself  to  your  kind  favour,  I  entreat  our  heavenly 
Father,  to  keep  you  in  his  holy  protection,  to  direct  you  by 
his  Spirit,  and  to  increase  you  in  all  good,  to  the  end  that  he 
may  be  more  and  more  glorified  in  you. 
Your  most  humble  servant, 

Charles  D'Espeville. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107.] 


CCCLV.— To  Sulzer. 

Revival  of  the  Sacramentarian  quarrel — complaints  against  Castalio — vindication  of 
the  exiles  settled  at  Geneva. 

Geneva,  1th  August  1554. 

Since  ignorant  and  headstrong  men,  who  are  renewing  the 
quarrel  of  the  Sacramentarians  in  Saxony,  cease  not  to  breed 
disturbances,1  some  method  must  be  adopted  to  moderate  their 
violence,  or  at  least  to  appease  their  clamours,  and  conciliate 
to  our  side  the  pious,  the  serious,  and  the  learned.  Nothing 
occurs  to  me  better  fitted  for  that  purpose  than  to  demonstrate 
by  a  short  tract,  that  our  churches  entertain  sounder  and 
purer  sentiments  on  the  subject  in  question,  than  the  calum- 
nies of  their  enemies  give  out.  I  am  planning  something  of 
that  sort  for  the  moment  when  I  can  command  a  little  leisure. 
In  the  mean  time  my  preface  to  the  book  of  Genesis,  dedi- 
cated to  the  sons  of  John  Frederic,  Duke  of  Saxony,  is  in  the 
press.  In  it  I  recommend  indirectly  the  study  of  peace  and 
concord.     Castalio,  believe  me,  is  a  creature  not  less  malignant, 

1  Joachim  Westphal,  minister  of  the  Church  of  Hamburg,  had  published  the  pre- 
ceding year  a  pamphlet  entitled  :  A  jumble  of  confused  and  jarring  opinions  respect- 
ing the  Lord's  Supper,  in  which  he  strove  to  prove  the  profound  disunion  which,  in 
spite  of  the  apparent  unity  of  formularies,  prevailed  among  the  Swiss  churches,  on 
the  question  of  the  sacraments.  This  writing  was  the  signal  of  theological  disputes, 
which  greatly  exceeded  in  violence  those  of  which  Luther  had  been  the  witness  or  the 
author,  and  which  embittered  the  last  years  of  Melancthon.  Hospiniani,  Hist.  Sacr. 
torn.  ii.  p.  383. 


1554.]  sulzer.  53 

than  unmanageable  and  contumacious.1  Under  the  mask  of 
charity  and  even  of  modesty,  he  dissembles  the  most  incon- 
ceivable arrogance.  He  and  some  others  patched  up  that 
pamphlet  stuffed  with  the  most  atrocious  outrages  against  me, 
with  the  intention  of  its  causing  some  sudden  attack  to  be 
made  upon  me.  They  have  been  egregiously  mistaken,  for 
the  senate  voted  that  the  work  should  be  given  to  me  for  my  * 
perusal,  and  it  was  an  easy  task  for  me,  not  only  to  dissipate 
those  clouds  of  slander,  but  even  to  make  redound  to  my  hon- 
our, what  they  had  so  odiously  reproached  me  with.  But  I 
can  far  more  patiently  endure  to  be  made  the  butt  of  their 
personal  attacks,  than  every  now  and  then  to  see  the  unfortu- 
nate exiles  of  Christ  who  are  living  here,  molested  daily  by  y/ 
new  vexations ;  though  the  Lord  even  in  this  matter  hath 
hitherto  held  out  to  us  a  helping  hand,  so  that  we  should  not 
be  overcome.  If  you  wish  to  know  more  of  our  condition, 
the  messenger  will  give  you  a  faithful  account  of  it.  He 
is  the  son  of  the  secretary  of  the  senate,  and  an  excellent  and 
upright  young  man.  Farewell,  my  most  accomplished  and  re- 
spected brother.  May  the  Lord  stand  always  by  you,  may  he 
govern  and  protect  you.  My  colleagues  respectfully  salute 
you.  In  the  name  of  us  all  you  will  present  our  best  wishes 
to  yours. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Calvin's  Lot.  Corresp.     Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  83.] 

1  Already  separated  from  Calvin  by  his  free  opinions  respecting  the  authority  of  the 
sacred  writings,  Castalio  had  completely  exasperated  the  Reformer  by  maintaining, 
on  the  occasion  of  Servetus  and  Bolsec,  the  cause  of  toleration,  a  cause  so  little  con- 
genial to  the  spirit  of  that  age. 


54  DOCTOR   MARBACH.  [1554. 


CCCLVL— To  Doctor  Marbach.1 

Defence  of  the  French  Church  of  Strasbourg — explications  on  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  Supper — appeal  to  the  memory  of  Luther,  Capito,  and  Bucer — offers  to  re- 
pair to  Strasbourg  in  order  to  appease  there  the  religious  dissensions. 

Geneva,  2bth  August  1554. 

It  is  now  nearly  a  year  and  a  half,  since  I  have  been  com- 
pelled to  hear,  from  time  to  time,  not  without  the  deepest  dis- 
tress, reports  respecting  the  dissensions  of  the  French  Church 
established  in  your  city.  For  while  a  few  wicked  and  per- 
verse men  wish  to  give  annoyance  to  our  brother  N.,2  their 
violence  has  been  the  occasion  of  rending,  by  evil  contentious, 
the  little  church  to  which  the  Lord  had  granted  a  quiet  asylum 
among  you.  Nor  is  it  surprising  that  these  are  sad  and  bitter 
tidings  to  me;  since  the  dispersion  of  that  flock  which  the 
Lord  permitted  me  formerly  by  my  labours  to  collect,  and  for 
a  season  to  foster,  would  give  me  like  anguish  with  the  tear- 
ing out  of  my  own  bowels.  But  though  I  vehemently  de- 
sired, that  some  remedy  should  be  speedily  applied,  yet,  be- 
cause I  trusted  that  whatever  disturbances  had  broken  out, 
would  be  easily  appeased  by  your  prudence  and  moderation 
and  that  of  your  brethren,  I  deemed  it  more  eligible  to  remain 
quiet,  lest  I  should  be  needlessly  importunate  to  you,  or  seem 
to  distrust  your  impartiality.  But  when  the  reports  were 
that  matters  were  daily  becoming  worse,  I  thought  it  high 
time  for  me  to  write  to  you  a  few  words.     Nor  in  truth  did 

1  A  tendency  to  be  less  and  less  tolerant  manifested  itself  at  Strasbourg  after  the 
retreat  and  death  of  Bucer.  At  the  head  of  the  ultra  Lutheran  re-action  was  John 
Marbach,  a  native  of  Lindau,  near  Constance,  no  great  scholar,  but  a  fiery  and  popu- 
lar preacher.  Bucer  having  heard  him  preach  for  the  first  time,  had  said  to  Peter 
Martyr  : — "That  presumptuous  divine  will  do  much  harm  to  the  church,  and  will  ere 
long  overturn  what  we  have  established  here."  This  anticipation  was  but  too  surely 
realized,  when  Marbach,  pretending  to  bring  all  the  congregations  of  Strasbourg  to 
adopt  a  common  formulary  respecting  the  Lord's  Supper,  directed  his  attacks  against 
the  ministers  of  the  French  Church  founded  by  Calvin.  See  Maeder,  Histoire  de 
l'Eglise  Francaise  de  Strasbourg,  and  Schmidt,  La  vie  et  lea  travaux  de  Jean  Sturm, 
in  8vo.  1855,  p.  115,  and  the  following. 

a  The  minister  Gamier,  pastor  of  the  French  Church. 


1554.]  DOCTOR   MARBACH.  55 

my  grief  allow  me  to  keep  silence  any  longer.  Whilst  I  am 
revolving  the  matter  in  my  own  mind,  lo,  a  more  agreeable 
intelligence  is  brought  us,  that  a  measure  had  been  adopted 
by  your  illustrious  senate  to  bridle  the  perversity  of  five 
knaves,  and  your  troubles  for  the  present  were  so  far  appeased, 
that  your  state  was  at  least  supportable.  "Would  that  all 
things  were  so  settled  according  to  your  wishes,  that  I  should 
have  only  to  congratulate  you,  and  that  simply  and  upon 
solid  grounds.  But  as  there  still  remains  some  lurking  sus- 
picion and  apprehension  of  the  future,  I  have  thought  it  my 
duty  to  task  my  zeal  for  the  cure  of  this  evil.  But  there  were, 
as  far  as  I  can  understand,  two  chief  causes  of  the  whole  evil. 
In  the  commencement,  N.  was  denounced  as  entertaining  and 
teaching  sentiments  different  from  yours  respecting  the  Lord's 
Supper.  I  do  not  say  by  whom,  or  with  what  intentions  the 
method  of  bringing  about  a  reconciliation  was  entered  upon. 
An  enquiry  was  set  on  foot.  But  if  the  affair  was  handled 
with  good  faith,  it  ought  to  have  been  fairly  set  at  rest.  The 
accused  party  made  public  a  confession  of  his  faith — how  true, 
how  sincere,  how  complete  that  confession  was,  I  stop  not  to 
enquire.  It  is  sufficient  for  me  that  it  was  not  disapproved 
of.  For  that  reason  I  have  hitherto  concluded  in  my  own 
mind,  that  your  silence,  if  it  did  not  imply  an  entire  approba- 
tion of  the  opinion  of  your  brother  and  fellow-pastor,  at  least, 
shewed  that  it  might  be  tolerated.  That  in  the  meantime  you 
practised  clandestinely  against  him,  by  crooked  ways,  I  am 
not  at  all  disposed  even  to  suspect.  What  then  was  left  me 
to  conjecture,  except  that  you  had  granted  greater  latitude 
than  was  proper  to  five  knaves  for  throwing  the  church  into 
confusion  ?  For  this  question  ought  to  have  been  closely  in- 
vestigated by  you  all,  whether  it  is  lawful,  or  decent,  or  in  a 
word,  right  and  proper,  that  five  turbulent  individuals,  noto- 
riously dissenting  from  the  remaining  body  of  the  faithful, 
should  be  countenanced  in  their  opposition  to  their  pastor. 
But  since  this  wound  has  also  been  healed,  I  return  to  the 
former  consideration.  What  more  can  be  demanded  of  N., 
than  he  has  already  complied  with,  I  cannot  very  clearly  per- 
ceive.    It  becomes  you  to  take  care  that  he  be  not  pressed  too 


56  DOCTOR   MARBACH.  [1554. 

severely.     If  Luther  were  now  alive — that  illustrious  servant 
of  God,  and  faithful  teacher  of  the  church — he  would  not  be  so 
bitter  nor  implacable  as  not  willingly  to  admit  of  this  confes- 
sion ;  that  those  things  are  really  imparted  to  us  in  the  sacra- 
ments, which  are  there  symbolically  represented;  and  that  it 
is  for  that  reason   that  in  the  holy  Supper  we  are  made  par- 
takers of  the  body  and  blood  of  Jesus  Christ.     For  how  often 
did  he  profess  that  he  had  no  other  motive  for  his  contesta- 
tion, unless  that  it  should  be  clearly  recognized,  that  the  Lord 
does  not  mock  us  with  empty  signs,  but  that  he  fills  us  in- 
wardly with  what  he  represents  to  our  eyes,  and  that  so  the 
effect  is  connected  with  the  visible  sign  !     We  are  agreed  on 
this  point,  unless  I  am  greatly  mistaken,  that  the  supper  of 
Jesus  Christ  is  not  a  theatrical  show  of  spiritual  food,  but  that 
in  reality  it  bestows  on  us  what  it  symbolizes ;  because  in  it 
pious  souls  feed  on  the  flesh  and  blood  of  Jesus  Christ.     But 
in  this  instance,  my  task  is  that  of  an  intercessor  and  not  that 
of  an  adviser ;  yet  this  I  must  freely  say,  that  those  persons, 
who,  not  content  with  this  moderation,  should  degrade  a  bro- 
ther from  his  ministry,  would  shew  an  undue  degree  of  mo- 
roseness.     Add  to  this  the  disgraceful  example  it  would  fur- 
nish, of  a  man  duly  and  regularly  called  to  the  office  of  a 
pastor   compelled,    without   the   legitimate   sentence   of    the 
church,  to  abdicate  his  functions,  at  the  mere  beck  of  the 
senate.     I  know  that  such  practices  are  beginning  to  creep  in 
everywhere,  but  I  have  also  already  observed,  more  than  once, 
that  they  recoil  on  the  heads  of  those  who  have  wittingly  and 
willingly  betrayed  the  rights  of  the  church.      The  sainted 
memory  of  Bucer  and  Capito,  whose  faith,  prudence,  learning, 
and  integrity,  have  been  so  thoroughly  proved,  that  memory 
which  is  still,  and  will,  I  trust,  long  be  venerated  among  all 
pious  men,  throws,  like  a  torch,  a  flood  of  light  on  this  point ; 
so  that  whatever  is  decided  by  you  on  either  side  of  the  ques- 
tion, may  be  more  clearly  ascertained  and  more  notable  for  an 
example.     But  assuredly  these  men,  such  was  their  scrupulous- 
ness in  maintaining  order  in  the  church,  would  have  ten  times 
rather  suffered  death,  than  approved,  I  do  not  say  by  their 
consent,  but  even  by  their  silence,  the  violent  degradation  of 


1554.]  JOHN  SLEIDAN.  57 

a  pastor.  If  indeed  you  hoped  that  any  advantage  would 
result  from  my  meeting  with  your  colleagues,  I  should  not 
spare  my  pains.  Nay,  I  would  come  among  them  the  more 
willingly  that  I  see  I  have  been  mixed  up  to  a  certain  degree 
with  this  controversy.  Besides  it  would  be  very  painful  for 
me,  that  the  form  of  doctrine  which  I  formerly  freely  pro- 
fessed among  you,  both  in  the  school  and  the  temple,  should 
now  be  repudiated.  But  that  I  may  not  seem  importunately 
meddlesome,  I  have  judged  it  proper  not  to  proceed  further 
in  this  business,  than  by  counsel,  entreaties,  and  exhortations  to 
urge  you  to  procure  the  peace,  first  of  a  pious  brother,  and 
next  of  an  unfortunate  little  church.  If  I  shall  hear  that  I 
have  obtained  what  I  so  ardently  desire,  we  shall  all  have 
occasion  to  congratulate  one  another.  I  bid  you  farewell, 
distinguished  sir,  as  well  as  your  fellow  pastors,  my  very 
dear  brethren,  who  along  with  you  govern  that  church — and 
to  whom,  if  you  think  fit,  I  should  wish  you  to  communicate 
the  contents  of  this  letter.  May  the  Lord  shield  you  all  by 
his  protection,  direct  you  by  the  spirit  of  prudence,  upright- 
ness, equity,  and  constancy,  and  bless  your  labours.  Amen. 
— Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 


CCCLYIL— To  John  Sleidan.1 

Marks  of  fraternal  confidence — blame  pronounced  on  Melanchthon — persecutions  in 
France  and  Italy. 

Geneva,  27th  August  1554. 

When  I  learned  lately  from  a  letter  of  our  brother  N.,  that 
of  the  three  whom  the  senate  had  set  at  the  head  of  the  French 

1  The  celebrated  historian  of  this  name,  who  was  born  in  1506  in  the  electorate  of 
Cologne,  and  died  in  1556  at  Strasbourg.  After  having  studied  with  distinction  at  the 
Universities  of  Liege,  Louvain,  and  Orleans,  and  having  been  attached  to  the  person 
of  the  Cardinal  du  Bellay,  he  quitted  France  to  escape  from  the  rigour  of  the  persecu- 
tions, and  settled  at  Strasbourg,  where  he  was  employed  in  several  important  missions, 
and  prepared  his  important  work,  "on  the  state  of  Religion  and  the  Commonwealth," 
(de  Statu  Relicjionis  et  Reijiublicce,)  which  has  ranked  him  among  the  most  exact  and 

8 


58  JOHN   S  LEI  DAN.  [1554. 

Church  you  are  one,  I  was,  as  you  may  well  suppose,  greatly 
delighted,  and  this  joy,  I  hope,  will  be  lasting.  For  I  conclude 
that  it  is  rather  by  divine  direction  than  by  human  counsels 
that  this  task  has  devolved  on  you,  that  by  your  good  faith 
and  prudence  you  might  compose  all  the  differences  which 
Satan  has  hitherto  stirred  up.  You  will  do  well  then  to  take 
precautions  beforehand  not  to  afford  the  wicked  any  pretext 
for  raising  disturbances.  Thus,  to  my  heart's  desire,  the  in- 
terests of  this  little  flock  have  been  consulted  for.  And  if  I 
do  not  exhort  you  to  do  your  duty,  it  is  no  timidity  on  my 
part  which  occasions  this  omission,  but  because  I  deem  such 
exhortation  superfluous.  I  know  not  how  much  I  ought  to 
congratulate  myself  on  Philip's  agreement  with  me  in  one 
thing,  since  in  the  most  important  matters,  catching  at  the  ap- 
probation even  of  the  philosophers,  he  openly  opposes  sound 
doctrine;  or  lest  he  should  provoke  the  resentment  of  certain 
persons,  he  cunningly,  or  at  least,  with  but  little  manliness, 
disguises  his  own  opinion.  May  the  Lord  endow  him  with  a 
more  courageous  spirit,  lest  posterity  suffer  great  detriment 
from  his  timidity.  Within  the  last  three  months,  five  or  six 
persons  have  been  burnt  in  Gascony,  in  whose  death  the  Lord 
has  sublimely  triumphed.1  Lately,  also,  in  a  town  of  the 
Venetian  dominions,  a  pious  man,  with  whom  I  was  well  ac- 
quainted, confessed  Christ  with  admirable  constancy  to  his 
last  breath.  Here  we  have  nothing  new,  but  what  is  equally 
known  to  you.  Farewell,  most  distinguished  and  ever  re- 
spected man,  may  the  Lord  protect  and  bless  you  and  your 
family.  Of  the  Turkish  fleet  more  certain  intelligence  has 
been  brought  us,  that  having  burned  certain  towns,  laid  waste 
the  sea  coast,  and  taken  five  thousand  men  prisoners,  it  has 
sailed  back  to  Greece. 

[Calvin's  Lat.  Corresp.     Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  85.] 

profound  historians.  Of  a  conciliating  and  moderate  temper,  Sleidan  always  studied 
to  appease  the  religious  differences  in  the  country  of  his  adoption,  and  his  influence 
was  frequently  invoked  by  Calvin. 

1  Sleidan  was  then  employed  in  writing  his  history,  for  which  he  was  always  in 
quest  of  precious  facts.  On  the  28th  December  1553,  he  wrote  to  Calvin  :  "  About  the 
middle  of  September  I  wrote  to  you,  most  distinguished  sir,  about  my  history  of  re- 
ligion which  I  have  carried  down  from  the  earlier  periods  at  which  it  began,  almost 


1554.]  PETER   MARTYR. 


CCCLVIII .— To  Peter  Martyr.1 

He  engages  him  to  defend  the  sound  doctrine  on  the  question  of  the  Sacraments,  and 
gives  him  an  account  of  the  steps  he  has  taken  in  favour  of  the  French  Church  at 
Strasbourg. 

Geneva,  27th  August  1554. 

Though  our  common  friend  Sturm,  when  giving  me  his  ad- 
vice respecting  the  dedication  of  the  commentaries,  had  added 
that  you  entirely  coincided  with  him,  yet  it  has  given  me 
much  greater  pleasure  to  learn  the  fact  from  your  own  letter. 
One  thing  I  fear  is  that  my  labour,  about  which  you  shew 
yourself  so  anxious,  shall  not  have  the  good  fortune  to  be 
much  esteemed.  But  how  comes  it,  that  you  say  not  a  word 
about  your  own  commentaries  on  the  same  work?  From  the 
answer  you  had  given  to  Kobert  Etienne,  while  you  were 
yet  in  England,  I  expected  that  they  would  be  published  in  a 
short  time.  Wherefore  I  am  dissatisfied  that  the  Church 
should  be  any  longer  defrauded  of  the  fruits  of  them,  which  I 
am  confident  will  be  abundant.  For  in  the  present  heteroge- 
neous mass  of  books,  it  is  especially  necessary  that  we  should 

to  our  own  times.  "  I  pray  you,  let  me  have  your  aid  in  this  work,  which,  as  I  hope 
will  he  one  of  general  utility."  Library  of  Geneva,  vol.  113.  In  another  letter 
dated  the  2d  April  1554,  Sleidan  announced  to  Calvin  the  completion  of  his  history, 
asking  him  to  send  him  the  "  Martyrologie  de    Crespin,"  then  printed  at  Geneva. 

Ibidem,  vol.  109. 

1  Peter  Martyr  Vermily,  one  of  the  principal  Italian  Reformers  of  the  sixteenth 
centurv,  preached  with  success  the  gospel  at  Naples,  Lucca,  and  Florence,  and  with- 
drew voluntarily  from  his  native  country  in  1542,  to  avoid  persecution.  Welcomed 
eagerly  by  Bucer  at  Strasbourg,  he  afterwards  followed  him  to  England,  occupied  the 
chair  of  Divinity  Professor  in  the  University  of  Cambridge,  and  returned  to  the  con- 
tinent on  the  death  of  Edward  VI.  Become  again  professor  in  the  academy  of  Stras- 
bourg in  1553,  he  displayed  the  most  profound  erudition,  and  in  the  Sacramentanan 
dispute  ranged  himself  on  the  side  of  the  divines  of  Zurich  and  Geneva.  I  inted 
with  Calvin  by  the  ties  of  an  affection  founded  on  an  entire  harmony  in  their  views, 
he  wrote  to  him  on  the  9th  May,  1554  :  "  Lastly,  I  would  not  that  you  remained  in 
ignorance  of  how  much  pain  it  has  occasioned  me  and  the  other  good  men,  that 
thin"  so  foolish  and  false  have  been  spread  asainst  the  truth  and  your  name.  .  . 
For  our  part,  as  often  as  we  have  been  asked,  both  publicly  and  privately,  we  hrive  de- 
fended the  cause  of  truth  and  yours,  to  the  best  of  our  abilities,  especially  Zanchi  and 
I."     Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  92. 


60  PETER   MARTYR.  [1554. 

be  able  to  lay  our  hands  on  the  grave,  learned,  and  solid  lucu- 
brations of  pious  and  orthodox  men,  who  are  endowed  with 
equal  judgment  and  authority,  both  for  the  purpose  of  asserting 
purity  of  doctrine,  and  of  having  this  doctrine  transmitted  to 
our  posterity  sound  and  entire,  as  also  for  the  purpose  of 
confuting  the  foolish  levity  of  those  who  embroil  everything. 
I  am  truly  grieved  on  account  of  Philip.  It  is  not  enough  for 
him  then,  either  to  be  wavering  from  suppleness  of  temper  to 
the  side  where  the  favour  of  men  impels  him,  or  by  his  silence 
to  be  betraying  the  truth,  unless  he  can  at  the  same  time  en- 
deavour to  incline,  to  his  own  timid  inaction,  men  of  under- 
standing whom  he  had  better  strive  to  imitate.  But  you  have 
acted  nobly  in  professing  that  you  would  be  the  voluntary 
defender  of  the  true  doctrine.  For  thus  by  your  example  a  rule 
has  been  prescribed  to  him  up  to  what  point  peace  is  to  be 
cherished,  that  he  may  at  length  learn  to  emit  some  sparks  of 
manly  virtue.  He  was  disposed  to  pay  too  servile  a  court  to 
your  colleague,  to  whom,  by  the  advice  of  M.  Sturm,  I  have 
written 'that  I  might  reconcile  him  toN.  Whatever  turn  the 
affair  may  take,  I  shall  never  repent  of  having  attempted 
something.  But  if  any  have  fallen  away,  your  duty  is  to  bear 
the  more  courageously  on  that  account  the  burden  imposed 
on  you ;  which  when  I  plainly  perceive  that  you  do,  I  am 
more  and  more  confirmed  in  the  opinion  that  you  have  been 
detained  where  you  are  by  a  wonderful  providence  of  God,  in 
order  to  succour  an  afflicted  church.  I  beg  of  you  to  salute 
M.  Zanchi  in  my  name;  the  Marquis  sends  you  his  kindest 
respects.  Farewell,  most  excellent  man,  and  my  truly  honoured 
brother;  may  the  Lord  always  stand  by  you,  govern  you,  and 
bless  your  labours.  If  your  letter  had  been  put  into  my  hands 
earlier,  my  exhortation  to  the  princes  would  have  been,  ac- 
cording to  your  advice,  more  copious;  but  I  received  it  after 
the  middle  of  August.     My  colleagues  salute  you. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Calvin's  Lot.  Corresp.    Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  83.J 

1  It  is  the  letter  to  Marbach.  p.  54. 


1554.]  MELANCHTHON.  61 


CCCLIX.— TO  MELANCHTHON.1 

He  deplores  the  silence  of  Melanchthon,  and  urges  him  to  apply  himself  to  the  contro- 
verted questions  of  Election  and  the  Lord's  Supper. 

Geneva,  27th  August  1554. 

Though  I  am  sorry  and  much  surprised,  that  you  did  not 
answer  my  last  letter,  yet  I  can  by  no  means  bring  myself  to 
suspect  that  this  occurred  from  any  haughtiness  or  contempt 
on  your  part,  feelings  which  I  know  to  be  most  alien  to  your 
temper  and  manners.  For  that  reason,  having  chanced  on 
this  messenger,  who  has  offered  me  his  services  in  conveying 
a  letter  to  you,  I  have  thought  that  I  should  make  a  second 
attempt  to  see  whether  I  might  not  be  able  to  draw  something 
from  you.  I  do  not  express  myself  thus,  as  doubting  of  your 
friendship  towards  me,  which  indeed  has  always  been  un- 
bounded, but  because  your  silence,  as  I  esteem  it  to  be  detri- 
mental to  the  Church  of  God,  cannot  for  that  reason  but  be 
painful  and  annoying  to  me.  I  wrote  to  you  lately  respecting 
that  article  of  doctrine,  in  which  you  rather  dissemble  your 
own  opinion  than  dissent  from  us.  For  what  else  can  I  sup- 
pose of  a  man  of  the  most  penetrating  judgment,  and  pro- 
foundly learned  in  heavenly  doctrine,  when  what  you  conceal 
as  a  thing  unknown  to  you,  cannot  but  force  itself  on  the  ob- 

1  In  a  letter  dated  the  14th  October  1554,  Melanchthon,  replying  to  the  reproaches 
which  were  addressed  to  him  by  Calvin,  thus  justified  his  attitude  in  the  SaTamenta- 
rian  dispute  : — "In  regard  to  the  exhortation  contained  in  your  last  letter  to  me,  to 
repress  the  ignorant  clamours  of  those  who  are  renewing  the  contest  about  the  adora- 
tion of  the  bread,  (nepi  dpro^arpha;,)  know  that  certain  persons  are  raising  this  dis- 
pute principally  from  hatred  to  me,  that  they  may  have  a  plausible  reason  for  oppress- 
ing me.  I  have  had  many  conferences  with  learned  and  good  men  on  many  con- 
tested points  ....  On  these  matters  so  highly  important,  I  should  like  exceedingly 
to  converse  with  you,  whom  I  know  to  be  a  lover  of  truth,  and  to  have  a  mind  ex- 
empt from  hatred  and  other  foolish  affections  ....  I  do  not  despair  of  our  having  a 
conference  before  my  soul  departs  from  its  earthly  prison.  For  though,  by  reason  of 
my  advanced  age,  I  am  not  far  from  the  goal  of  this  career,  yet  am  I  in  daily  expecta- 
tion of  being  anew  exiled."  This  touching  complaint,  without  disarming  Calvin,  no 
doubt  moderated  the  free-spoken  exhortations  which  he  addressed  to  the  German 
Reformer. 


62  MELANCHTHOX.  [1554. 

servation  of  every  one,  who  is,  however  superficially,  versed  in 
the  sacred  scriptures  ?  And  yet  the  doctrine  of  the  gratuitous 
mercy  of  God  is  entirely  destroyed,  unless  we  hold  that  the 
faithful,  whom  God  has  thought  fit  to  choose  out  for  salva- 
tion, ,are  distinguished  from  the  reprobate  by  the  mere  good 
pleasure  of  God ;  unless  this  also  be  clearly  established  as  a 
consequence,  that  faith  flows  from  the  secret  election  of  God, 
because  he  enlightens,  by  his  Spirit,  those  whom  it  seemed 
good  to  him  to  elect  before  they  were  born,  and  by  the  grace 
of  adoption  grafts  them  into  his  family.  Weigh  well  in  your 
wisdom,  how  absurd  it  is  that  this  doctrine  should  be  im- 
pugned by  the  greatest  of  theologians.  You  see  that  the 
manifest  discordance  which  is  certainly  remarked  between  our 
writings  has  a  pernicious  tendency.  Nor  do  I  prescribe  this 
law  for  the  removal  of  our  discrepancy  that  you  should  assent 
to  me,  but  at  least  let  us  not  be  ashamed  to  subscribe  to  the 
sacred  oracles  of  God.  And,  indeed,  whatever  method  of  re- 
conciling our  differences  it  shall  please  you  to  adopt,  that  I 
will  gladly  embrace.  Behold  how  illiterate  and  turbulent 
men  are  renewing  theSacramentarian  quarrel  from  your  quar- 
ter. All  good  men  lament  and  complain,  that  these  same  in- 
dividuals are  encouraged  by  your  silence.  For  however 
audacious  ignorance  is,  still  nobody  doubts,  if  you  could 
bring  your  mind  to  speak  out  openly  what  you  think,  but 
that  it  would  be  an  easy  task  for  you  to  appease,  at  least  in 
part,  their  violence.  Nor  indeed  am  I  so  forgetful  of  what  is 
due  to  human  feelings,  as  not  to  revolve  in  my  own  mind, 
and  also  to  point  out  to  others,  with  what  sort  of  men  you 
will  have  to  deal ;  in  what  anxiety  and  perplexity  the  troubled 
state  of  affairs  must  keep  you ;  and  how  necessary  it  will  be 
for  you  to  have  an  eye  in  all  directions,  to  discover  what  ob- 
stacles impede  and  retard  your  course.  But  no  consideration 
should  have  such  weight  with  you,  as  to  induce  you  by  your 
dissimulation,  to  give  a  loose  to  frantic  men  to  trouble  and  dis- 
perse the  churches.  Not  to  mention,  moreover,  how  precious 
a  thing  we  should  deem  an  undisguised  profession  of  sound 
doctrine.  You  know  that,  for  upwards  of  thirty  years,  the 
eyes  of  an  innumerable  multitude  of  men  have  been  fixed 


1554.]  MELANCHTHON.  03 

upon  you,  who  desire  nothing  more  than  to  prove  their  do- 
cility to  you.  What!  are  you  ignorant  to-day  what  numbers 
are  held  floating  in  doubts  in  consequence  of  the  ambiguous 
manner  of  teaching,  to  which  you  too  timidly  adhere?  But 
if  you  are  not  at  liberty  to  declare,  candidly  and  fully,  what 
it  would  be  advantageous  to  have  made  known,  at  least  you 
should  make  an  effort  to  bridle  the  fury  of  those  who  brawl 
unreasonably  about  nothing.  For  what,  I  would  fain  ask,  do 
they  aim  at  ?  Luther,  during  his  whole  life,  loudly  proclaimed 
that  all  he  contended  for,  was  but  to  assert  the  efficacy  inhe- 
rent in  the  sacraments.  It  is  admitted  that  they  are  not 
empty  figures,  but  that  what  they  typify  is  in  reality  imparted 
to  us — that  there  is  present  in  baptism  an  efficacy  of  the  Spi- 
rit which  cleanses  and  regenerates  us — that  the  Lord's  Supper 
is  truly  a  spiritual  banquet,  in  which  we  feed  on  the  flesh  and 
blood  of  Christ.  In  calming  then  the  tumults  which  these 
absurd  men  have  stirred  up  anew,  the  cause  seems  too  favour- 
able to  permit  you  from  fear  of  odium  to  hang  back,  and  in 
the  distinguished  position  which  you  occupy,  you  cannot 
moreover,  if  you  would,  escape  from  its  various  fluctuations. 
Endeavour  only  that  the  brazen  wall  of  a  good  conscience 
may  enable  you  to  stand  up  courageously  against  these,  and 
whatever  violent  attacks  the  whole  world  may  bring  against 
you.  For  when,  by  the  partisans  of  Osiander,  I  hear  you  de- 
scribed both  as  versatile  and  more  devoted  to  profane  philo- 
sophy than  heavenly  wisdom,  the  reproach  wounds  me  more 
deeply,  than  if  malevolent  or  wanton  men  upbraided  you 
with  what  it  would  be  not  only  honourable  to  avow,  but  glo- 
rious to  exult  in.  Farewell,  my  very  dear  sir,  and  highly 
respected  brother.  May  the  Lord  continue  to  shield  you 
with  his  protection,  and  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  even  unto 
the  end. — Yours, 

John  Calvix. 

[Calvin's  Lot.  Corresp.    Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  82.] 


64  PERUCEL.  [1554. 


CCCLX.— To  Perucel.1 

Counsels  to  the  Church  of  Wezel  respecting  the  ceremonies. 

Geneva,  27th  August  1554. 

I  rejoice  that  you  have  found  a  place,  in  which  you  may 
devote  your  labours  to  the  church  of  God :  and  I  pray  the 
Lord  that  he  may  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  in  order  that  you 
may  faithfully  defend  the  station  in  which  he  has  placed  you. 
Moreover,  because  with  regard  to  the  ceremonies,  you  have 
not  that  liberty  allowed  you  which  were  to  be  wished,  you 
will  make  it  your  study  to  render  it  evident  to  all,  that  you 
endure  rather  than  approve  whatever  shall  be  superfluous. 
In  a  letter  to  my  brethren,  without  at  all  thinking  of  you,  I 
declared  openly  and  frankly  my  sentiments  on  that  subject. 
My  authority  will  be  of  no  service  to  you  among  those  whom 
my  advice  will  displease.  That  testimony  will,  I  fancy,  have 
more  weight  with  others,  than  if  you  ventured  to  avail  your- 
self of  anything  written  to  you  privately,  because  there  would 
be  a  lurking  suspicion  that  this  was  obtained  by  favour  and 
solicitations.  These  two  things  must  always  be  especially 
kept  in  mind  by  you :  not  to  suffer  any  thing  to  be  imposed 
on  you  inconsistent  with  the  edification  of  the  church,  nor 
which  a  calm  and  pure  conscience  will  not  suffer  you  to  un- 
dertake. I  am  even  in  hopes  that  something  will  be  obtained 
from  the  senate  and  the  pastors,  provided  there  be  no  wrang- 
ling. For  nothing  more  exasperates  and  whets  them  on  to 
resistance,  than  the  belief  that  they  and  their  sentiments  are 
coudemned.     But  you  yourself,  being  on  the  spot,  will   be 


1  Francis  Perucel,  one  of  the  members  of  the  Foreign  Congregation  of  London  who 
had  fled  to  Wezel.  In  a  letter  written  to  Calvin,  he  gave  him  interesting  details 
about  the  situation  of  the  French  Church  of  that  city,  and  at  the  same  time  concern- 
ing the  difficulties  by  which  the  new  church  was  surrounded.  These  difficulties  arose 
principally  from  the  pretensions  of  the  magistrates  of  Wezel  to  regulate  the  ceremo- 
nies in  a  Lutheran  sense,  and  to  fix  the  sense  of  the  Lord's  Supper  which  the  refugees 
considered  less  as  a  sacrament,  than  as  a  pledge  and  testimony  of  divine  favour.  See 
the  Letters  of  Perucel  to  Calvin,  1551,  1555.     Library  of  Geneva,  vol.  114. 


1554.]  VALERAX    POULAIX.  65 

better  able  to  perceive  what  may  be  expedient.  Wherefore  I 
prescribe  nothing.  Farewell,  distinguished  sir,  and  dearest 
brother.  May  the  Lord  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  and  bless 
your  labour.  My  colleagues  affectionately  salute  you.  For 
the  brethren,  from  my  heart,  I  implore  the  grace  of  God  and 
blessings  of  every  kind. 

[Calvin's  Lat.  Corresp.     Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  83.] 


CCCLXL— To  Valerax  Poulaix.1 

Counsels  for  the  direction  of  the  French  Church  at  Frankfort. 

Geneva,  27th  August  1554. 

I  rejoice  that,  after  having  been  long  and  furiously  tossed 
about,  you  have  at  length  reached  a  harbour,  where  you  may 
at  least  collect  your  thoughts.  I  also  congratulate  not  only 
you  individually,  but  many  pious  brethren  who  will  reap  the 
fruits  of  your  labours,  that  in  the  place  where  you  now  are,  a 
station  has  been  offered  to  you  in  which  you  may  usefully  ex- 
ercise yourself,  and  devote  your  attention  to  the  little  flock, 
which  has  been  assembled  by  your  care  and  assiduity.  It  is 
indeed  a  sad  and  miserable  spectacle  to  see  the  churches  scat- 
tered like  the  members  of  a  mangled  body.  But  what  if  this 
dispersion  is  to  warn  us,  that  the  moment  is  at  hand  in  which 
God  will  assemble  in  the  heavens  his  children,  who  can  hardly 
find  a  place  of  refuge  upon  earth?  Meanwhile  let  the  fugitive 
brethren,  after  all  their  wanderings  both  in  body  and  mind, 
accustom  their  thoughts  to  their  final  migration.  But  that 
they  may  remain  peaceably  in  their  precarious  asylum,  it 
becomes  you  to  set  them  an  example  of  modesty  and  moderation. 
For  that  purpose  you  will,  I  trust,  find  no  small  aid  in  your 
fellow  pastor,M.  Morell,  to  whose  candourof  mind, and  mildness 

1  See  the  note,  vol.  2,  p.  210.  Expelled  from  London  with  the  congregation  of 
fureigu  Protestants  that  were  dispersed  on  the  accession  of  Queen  Mary,  Valeran 
Poulain  had  just  arrived  at  Frankfort  on  the  Maine,  where  the  prudent  toleration  of 
the  magistrates  permitted  him  to  collect  and  reconstitute  a  part  of  the  flock  of  whk-J 
he  had  been  the  pastor.     Arch,  of  Frankfort,  and  Letters  of  Geneva,  vol.  112. 

9 


66  GASPAR   LISER.  [1554 

of  character,  as  well  as  soundness  of  doctrine,  all  good  men  bear 
honourable  testimony.  Wish  him  in  my  name  all  kinds  of 
prosperity.  My  colleagues  send  to  both  of  you  their  best 
wishes.  Farewell,  dearest  brother.  May  the  Lord  always 
stand  by  you,  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  and  bless  your  labours. 
[Calvin's  Lat.  Corresp.    Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  83.] 


CCCLXIL— To  Gaspar  Liser.1 

Influence  of  the  writings  of  Calvin  in  Germany — instructions  relative  to  discipline. 

Geneva,  27th  August  1554. 

I  should  certainly  be  too  boorish  and  unpolite,  my  very 
worthy  brother,  did  I  tax  with  forwardness  or  temerity  your 
courtesy  in  writing  to  me.  As  I  perceived  that  it  proceeded 
from  kindliness  towards  me,  so  it  becomes  me  to  receive  it 
with  feelings  of  gratitude  and  satisfaction.  For  that  reason  I 
willingly  learned  that  you  sought  my  friendship,  (for  which  I 
profess  myself  bound  to  you,)  and  from  your  letter  I  have  re- 
ceived an  accession  of  joy,  in  being  informed  that  very  many 
persons  have  from  my  writings  reaped  fruits  that  I  have  no 
reason  to  regret;  in  the  number  of  whom  you  include  yourself. 
For  this  blessing  of  God  adds  not  a  little  to  my  courage,  when 
I  reflect  that,  in  this  malignant  age,  there  are  yet  pious  and 
learned  men  who  not  only  profit  individually  by  my  lucubra- 
tions, but  strive  with  faithful  zeal  to  diffuse  them  more  widely, 
and  hand  around  from  one  to  another,  to  use  a  homely  phrase, 
the  advantages  they  themselves  feel.  Let  us  hold  on  in  this 
course,  dear  brother,  and  let  a  holy  interchange  of  God's  gifts 
flourish  among  us,  which,  all  ambition  and  envy  being  ban- 
ished from  our  hearts,  may  edify  the  church.     It  also  gives  me 

1  M.  Gaspar  Liser,  Pastor  of  the  Church  of  Nurlingen. 

In  a  letter  to  Calvin  dated  the  26th  Fehruary  1554,  Liser  praised  in  the  most  flat- 
tering terms  the  theological  writings  of  the  Reformer.  "  Continue,  my  dear  Calvin,  in 
that  pious  labour  and  task  which  you  have  undertaken  to  explain  the  holy  scriptures, 
and  do  not  desist  till  you  have  gone  over  the  whole  of  the  prophetical  and  apostolical 
books,  provided  the  Lord  (which  we  earnestly  entreat  of  God)  prolong  your  life  so 
long."     Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  81. 


1551]  GASPAR   LISER.  67 

the  greatest  pleasure  that  you  approve  of  my  zeal  in  calming 
the  discord  which  but  too  unhappily  burst  forth  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  Reformation.1  Would  that  the  same  modesty 
reigned  everywhere!  But  already  men  not  less  turbulent  than 
illiterate  are  springing  up  anew,  whom  I  know  not  what  fury 
instigates  without  any  reason  to  renew  the  strife.  But  it  is 
our  duty  quietly  to  oppose  ourselves  to  such  firebrands,  that 
the  conflagration  may  not  spread  wider.  I  congratulate  you^ 
on  the  tranquillity  of  your  churches,  but  it  is  greatly  to  be  re- 
gretted that  you  do  not  possess,  along  with  it,  the  sinews  of 
discipline  so  necessary  to  insure  its  continuance.  Nor  does" 
there  seem  any  way  of  remedying  this  evil,  unless  the  pastors, 
who  are  touched  with  a  serious  concern  for  the  reign  of  Christ, 
should  come  to  a  mutual  agreement.  For  I  would  not  ven- 
ture to  be  the  author  of  a  measure,  authorizing  one  individual, 
without  calling  in  others  to  deliberate  with  him,  to  attempt 
anything.  Moreover  I  have  never  thought  it  useful  to  entrust 
the  right  of  excommunicating  to  single  pastors.  For  the  thing 
is  odious,  of  doubtful  example,  apt  to  merge  into  tyranny,  and 
the  Apostles  have  transmitted  to  us  a  contrary  practice.  But 
that  you  should  labour  strenuously  to  stir  up  your  fellow 
pastors  is  not  only  what  I  advise,  but  vehemently  press  on 
you.  I  have  not  written  to  Brentz.  In  a  short  time  I  expect 
to  have  a  better  opportunity  which  I  shall  not  let  slip.  My 
tract  on  the  necessity  of  reforming  the  church,  is  a  suppli- 
catory exhortation  to  the  Emperor  and  the  orders  of  the 
Empire,  which  you  will  find  among  my  miscellaneous  works. 
Farewell,  most  excellent  brother.  May  the  Lord  govern  you 
by  his  Spirit,  support  you  by  his  strength,  and  bless  your 
labours. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Calvin's  Lot.  Corresp.    Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  82.] 

1  "  We  also  approve  of  that  pious  zeal  with  which  you  endeavour  to  bury  in  oblivion 
that  most  unhappy  strife  that  had  been  stirred  up  respecting  the  Sacrament  of  the 
Eucharist.  .  .  and  do  not  suppose  that  your  pains  and  trouble  have  been  lost  in  this 
affair.  For  many  persons,  rendered  more  equitable  towards  Zuingli  and  (Ecolampadius, 
have  adhered  completely  to  your  opinion." — Ibidem. 


68  THE   BRETHREN   OF   POITOU.  [1554. 


CCCLXIII. — To  the  Brethren  of  Poitou.1 

Double  duty  to  assemble  together  in  holy  meetings,  and  to  profess  publicly  the 

gospel. 

3d  September  1554. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  be  always  upon  you,  through  the  communication  of 
the  Holy  Spirit. 

Dearly  Beloved  Seigneurs  and  Brethren, — We  have 
to  praise  our  heavenly  Father,  that  he  has  fortified  you  anew, 
to  the  end  that  with  increased  courage  and  resolution  you  might 
exercise  yourselves  in  his  service,  and  not  only  each  of  you 
individually,  but  also  all  of  you  in  common.  And  in  fact  we 
have  need  to  stir  one  another  up,  considering  our  natural 
weakness,  and  the  numerous  obstacles  that  retard  us  in  the 
accomplishment  of  our  duty.  Doubtless  it  is  not  all,  to  come 
together  to  pray  God  and  hear  his  word ;  nevertheless  it  is  a 
powerful  and  necessary  help  to  us,  seeing  that  of  ourselves  we 
are  but  too  sluggish.  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  let  this  be 
your  end  in  meeting  together,  to  confirm  yourselves  in  the 
faith  of  the  gospel,  and  go  on  increasing  in  all  holiness  of 

1  The  introduction  of  the  Reform  into  Poitou,  it  would  appear,  should  be  dated  from 
the  period  Calvin  himself  lived  in  Poitiers  (1534.)  The  evangelical  doctrines  then 
found  numerous  adherents  in  the  magistracy  and  the  schools  of  this  learned  and  lite- 
rary city.  Among  them  people  remarked  the  jurisconsult,  Albeit  Babinot,  Philip 
Veron,  procureur,  the  advocate,  John  Boisseau  de  Laborderie,  and  the  student,  John 
Vernou,  the  predestined  martyr  of  the  new  faith.  These  first  disciples  assembled  in 
a  garden  of  the  street  des  Basses  TreiUes,  and  in  the  caves  of  St.  Benoit,  not  far  from 
the  town.  They  listened  to  Calvin  eloquently  discoursing  on  the  knowledge  of  God, 
and  taking  God  himself  to  witness  for  the  truth  of  the  gospel  which  he  announced  to 
them.  The  seed  sown  by  the  Reformer  in  the  soul  of  some  disciples  was  propagated 
over  Poitou,  and  the  church  of  Poitiers  was  formed  in  1554,  according  to  the  instruc- 
tions of  Calvin  himself.  It  received  from  Geneva  (May  1555)  the  minister  James 
Langlois,  to  whom  was  adjoined  (April  1557)  Claude  Chevalier.  See  Florimond  do 
Roemond,  Histoire  de  la  naissance  el  du  progris  de  Vheresie,  L.  vii.  C.  14;  Pierre  de 
Farnaco,  Vie  de  Pierre  de  la  Place,  p.  11  ;  the  Registres  de  la  compagiiie  de  (!• 
and  different  MSS.  quoted  by  M.  Crottet,  Petite  Chronique protestante,  p.  121  and  the 
following. 


1554.]  THE    BRETHREN*    OF    POITOU.  69 

life.  But  at  all  events,  deprive  not  yourselves  of  the  bless- 
ing of  invoking  God  together  with  one  accord,  and  receiving 
some  sound  doctrine  and  good  exhortation,  to  make  you  hold 
on  in  the  right  path.  For  though  each  one  can  and  should 
also  pray  to  God  in  secret,  and  having  retired  apart,  and 
though  each  can  read  in  his  own  house  —  notwithstanding 
weil-pleasing  to  God  is  the  sacrifice  of  assembling  ourselves 
to  pray  to  him  with  one  mouth,  and  offer  up  to  him  the 
solemn  homage  both  of  our  souls  and  of  our  bodies.  And  it) 
were  much  to  be  desired,  that  we  could  do  so  before  the  world;  I 
but  since  by  the  malice  and  tyranny  of  men  we  are  forestalled^) 
of  this  privilege,  the  least  we  can  do  is  to  praise  God  along 
with  his  people,  as  the  scripture  exhorteth  us.  To  do  this, 
small  flocks  group  together  here  and  there,  till  in  the  end  the 
whole  body  of  the  church  be  collected  in  the  kingdom  of 
heaven.  I  know  well  that  you  cannot  give  a  regular  form  to 
any  assembly,  except  with  doubts  and  fears.  I  know  also, 
that  the  enemy  lies  in  wait  for  you.1  But  we  must  not,  for 
all  that,  allow  the  fear  of  persecutions  to  hinder  us  from  seek- 
ing the  food  of  life,  and  continuing  under  the  guidance  of  our 
good  Shepherd.  Thus  casting  your  cares  upon  him,  take 
courage,  for  he  will  prove  that  he  has  at  heart  to  watch  over 
his  poor  sheep,  and  that  to  him  peculiarly  belongs  the  task 
of  saving  them,  were  it  from  the  very  jaws  of  the  wolf.  Even 
when  the  dangers  are  apparent,  we  must  not,  for  all  that,  from 
excess  of  timidity  withdraw  from  the  fold.  In  fact,  we  see 
what  awaits  those  who  stray  from  it,  how  they  gradually  wax 
more  and  more  indifferent,  till  they  lose  relish  for  all  spiritual 
good,  and  finally  become  aliens  to  the  way  of  salvation. 
Wherefore,  brethren,  be  constant,  and  shew  that  the  zeal 
which  has  stirred  you  up  to  begin  well,  was  not  like  an  empty 
puff  of  air,  and  let  every  one,  according  as  he  shall  have  more 

1  The  progress  of  the  Reformation  in  Poiton,  gave  occasion  to  the  most  rigorous 
measures  against  the  Reformed.  In  1542,  while  the  Grands  Jour?  were  held  at  Poi- 
tiers, a  commission  presided  by  the  mayor  of  the  town,  John  Estivalle,  Seigneur  de 
la  Gueffrie,  made  the  most  active  perquisitions  in  the  cellars  and  barns  where  the  Pro- 
testants were  suspected  of  assembling.  Some  were  seized  and  condemned  to  perish 
at  the  stake.  In  155-4,  they  let  loose  their  rage  on  several  persons  who  ran  over  the 
country  and  preached  in  private  rooms  and  in  secret.     Crottet,  pp.  120,  124. 


70  THE   BRETHREN   OF   POITOU.  [1554. 

opportunity,  strive  to  labour  more  abundantly.  Let  those 
who  have  suitable  houses  feel  themselves  honoured  in  being 
able  to  consecrate  them  as  temples  to  God ;  let  the  others  not 
grudge  their  fatigue.  Let  the  great  attract  the  little,  and  those 
who  have  a  good  example  set  them,  be  ashamed  not  to  follow 
it.  I  mean  not,  however,  that  you  should  take  no  precau- 
tions against  exposing  yourselves  to  unseasonable  dangers. 
Up  to  this  point,  God  does  not  condemn  our  prudence  in 
avoiding  the  rage  of  the  unjust.  It  is  for  that  reason  that  I 
consider  the  compact  into  which  you  have  entered,  that  no  one 
without  the  consent  of  the  society  should  disclose  to  a  living 
creature  the  order  of  }rour  proceedings,  to  be  both  excellent 
and  lawful.  Assuredly  then  you  are  justifiable  in  guarding 
as  far  as  it  is  possible  against  every  danger,  provided  always 
you  go  straight  forward,  and  never  swerve  from  the  right  path 
upon  which  you  have  entered.  For  between  fool-hardiness 
and  timidity,  there  is  a  moderate  apprehension,  which  does 
not  quench  in  us  the  virtue  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  neither  turn 
us  aside  from  those  helps  which  God  hath  appointed  us.  See- 
ing then  the  foolishnesss  and  want  of  good  faith  which  now 
abound  in  the  word,  remain,  dear  brethren,  quietly  in  your 
hiding  place;  but  do  not  for  all  that  shut  the  door  on  those, 
who  desire  to  come  like  yourselves  to  the  kingdom  of  God. 
Let  each  one  strive  to  attract  and  win  over  to  Jesus  Christ, 
those  whom  he  can,  and  let  those  whom  a  careful  examina- 
tion shall  have  proved  worthy  of  it,  be  received  with  the  con- 
sent of  all.  Moreover,  let  such  an  exercise  dispose  each  of 
you  to  discharge  his  duty,  in  governing  better  his  own  house- 
hold. For  on  your  return  home  from  such  a  company,  you 
should  shew  that  you  have  been  strengthened  to  act  better 
than  heretofore,  and  to  carry  back  with  you  an  odour  of  holi- 
ness, which  may  be  diffused  over  every  member  of  the  family. 
Finally,  let  your  whole  life  correspond  to  your  profession. 
Shew  that  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  a  light  to 
your  path,  that  you  err  not  like  the  children  of  darkness. 
And  forasmuch  as  the  world  is  now  so  corrupt  and  perverse, 
be  so  much  the  more  vigilant  not  to  prick  yourselves  among 
the  thorns.     The  time  of  our  pilgrimage  is  short,  so  that  if 


1554.]    •      A  GENTLEMAN  OF  PROVENCE.  71 

we  reflect  on  that  immortal  glory  to  which  God  invites  us,  we 
shall  have  no  occasion  to  faint  by  the  way.  On  the  other 
hand,  if  we  meditate  on  the  inestimablegoodness  which  our  in- 
dulgent heavenly  Father  has  shewn  us,  and  the  precious  trea- 
sures of  grace  which  in  every  form  he  has  shed  on  us  so 
abundantly,  we  shall  be  base  indeed  if  we  are  not  touched  by 
his  love,  so  as  to  forget  or  despise  whatever  belongs  to  the 
world,  to  break  all  the  ties  which  hold  us  back  from  him,  and 
disentangle  ourselves  of  every  obstacle  that  clogs  our  march. 
Whereupon,  my  well  beloved  brethren,  after  having  com- 
mended myself  to  your  fervent  prayers,  I  entreat  our  heavenly 
Father  to  hold  you  in  his  holy  protection,  to  guide  you  by 
his  Spirit  in  all  prudence  and  uprightness,  to  confirm  you  in 
full  virtue  and  constancy,  and  to  make  use  of  you  more  amply, 
not  permitting  his  enemies  to  gain  any  advantage  over  you, 
whatever  they  may  devise. — Your  brother, 

John  Calvin. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Yol.  107.] 


CCCLX1V.— To  a  Gentleman  of  Provence.1 

Explanations  on  the  subject  of  Baptism. 

Geneva,  6th  September  1554. 

Monsieur  and  Dearly  Beloved  Brother, —  I  have 
learned  that  God  has  within  these  few  days  visited  you  with 
a  twofold  affliction— first,  in  taking  to  himself  the  child  with 
which  he  had  blessed  you,  and  next  that  some  worthy  brethren 
are  scandalized  because  you  have  not  had  him  baptized  in 
time,  though  the  means  were  within  your  power.  Now,  I  will  not 
stop  to  console  you  because  God  has  deprived  you  of  a  trea- 
sure which  you  hoped  long  to  possess,  for  I  am  persuaded 
that  without  being  reminded  by  others,  you  have  recourse  to 
those  remedies  which  are  fitted  to  mitigate  your  sorrow;  and 

•  On  the  title,  in  the  handwriting  of  Charles  de  Jonvillers,  is  :— "He  wrote  this  letter 
to  a  gentleman  of  Provence  who  was  at  Thurin,  where  the  case  happened  about  the 
scruple  entertained  about  a  child  that  had  died  before  having  received  baptism." 


72  A   GENTLEMAN   OF   PROVENCE.  *        [1554. 

what  is  more,  that  you  have  already  so  profited  by  them,  that 
you  are  able  with  a  tranquil  mind  to  return  thanks  to  the 
Father  of  goodness,  who  has  brought  you  to  feel  that  we  can- 
not do  better  than  submit  to  his  kind  will,  especially  when  he 
does  us  the  favour  and  the  honour  to  acknowledge  us  for  his 
own,  both  in  life  and  death,  when  we  live  and  die  to  him. 
"With  regard  to  the  child's  dying  without  having  been  bap- 
tized, our  worthy  brethren  would  certainly  have  occasion  to 
be  scandalized  at  it,  had  that  taken  place  from  indifference  or 
contempt,  for  baptism  is  too  sacred  a  thing  to  be  left  in  the 
background.  However  not  only  those  who  make  no  account 
of  it,  but  those  also  who  put  it  off  out  of  ambition  to  trick  it 
out  with  pomp  and  gaudy  shew,  are  to  be  condemned.  In  your 
case,  in  point  of  fact,  all  you  have  to  do  is  to  declare  to  the 
brethren  what  were  your  intentions,  to  take  away  all  subject 
of  scandal.  For  when  they  shall  have  heard  the  truth  of  the 
fact,  they  will  have  reason,  I  think,  to  be  satisfied.  If  your 
intentions  had  been  to  reside  in  those  parts  as  one  of  them, 
you  could  not,  without  offending  God  and  your  neighbours, 
have  brought  up  your  child  without  having  it  baptized.  Not 
that  those  who  present  their  children  to  be  polluted  with 
Popish  superstitions  are  to  be  held  excusable,  otherwise  than 
that  they  cannot  reject  the  visible  sign  of  the  Christian  reli- 
gion, without  at  the  same  time  marking  their  contempt  for 
God.  But  your  intention  was  quite  different.  For  foreseeing 
the  evil,  you  were  desirous  to  take  refuge,  even  before  the 
period  of  your  wife's  confinement,  in  the  bosom  of  the  Chris- 
tian church,  or  at  least,  should  that  be  found  impracticable, 
you  thought  of  conveying  the  child  soon  after  its  birth,  along 
with  its  mother,  in  order  to  have  it  baptized  according  to  the 
ordinance  of  God.  And  this  would  have  been  an  open  decla- 
ration, that  so  far  were  you  from  despising  baptism,  on  the 
contrary,  from  the  deep  respect  in  which  you  held  it,  you 
wished  it  to  be  pure  and  entire,  such  as  it  was  instituted  by  our 
Lord.  Such  a  delay,  forming  a  part  of  the  confession  of  your 
faith,  ought  not  to  offend  the  godly.  For  had  the  thing  fallen 
out  as  you  expected,  such  an  act  was  no  more  to  be  blamed 
than  your  departure.     I  can  readily  believe,  that  there  may 


1554.]         A  GENTLEMAN  OF  PROVENCE.  73 

be  some  who  would  take  offence  that  people  quit  flie  country 
in  which  they  live,  because  they  feel  that  they  themselves  are 
condemned  by  this  example.  But  if  they  act  badly,  it  is  not 
a  reason  why  they  should  subject  others  to  conform  to  them, 
nor  exact  that  what  is  their  vice  should  be  erected  into  a  law. 
Among  those  who  approve  of  what  is  good  and  give  not  their 
sanction  to  what  is  evil,  I  take  it  for  granted  that  it  is  lawful 
for  a  christian  man  to  withdraw  himself  from  the  pollutions 
of  Popery,  and  also  that  it  is  not  only  lawful,  but  obligatory, 
for  him  to  take  with  him  his  infant  child  in  order  to  offer  it 
with  purity  to  God,  and  have  it  baptized  without  Popish  su- 
perstition. Now  God  has  been  pleased  to  deprive  you  of  that 
blessing.  He  knows  wherefore.  JSTo  doubt  it  was  his  will  to 
humble  you  in  this  matter.  But  this  does  not  prove  that  the 
act  was  to  be  condemned,  since  your  intention  was  both  pious 
and  praiseworthy.  If  any  one  reply  that  your  child  has  been 
deprived  of  baptism,  which  is  the  sign  of  salvation,  I  answer 
that  its  condition  is  not  the  worse  for  that  before  God.  For 
though  baptism  be  the  seal  of  our  adoption,  yet  we  are  en- 
rolled in  the  book  of  life,  both  by  the  gratuitous  goodness  of 
God,  and  by  his  promise  to  that  effect.  By  virtue  of  what 
are  our  children  saved,  if  not  by  that  of  the  saying:  I  am  the 
God  of  thy  offspring?  But  for  that  they  would  not  be  capable 
even  of  being  baptized.  If  their  salvation  is  assured  by  the 
promise,  and  the  foundation  on  which  it  rests  is  sufficiently 
solid  of  itself,  we  must  not  conclude  that  all  the  children  who 
die  without  baptism  go  to  perdition,  for  in  our  desire  to  hon- 
our the  visible  sign,  we  should  do  great  injustice  and  dishon- 
our to  God,  derogating  from  his  truth  as  if  our  salvation  were 
not  firmly  established  on  his  simple  promise.  Since  then  on 
your  part*  there  has  been  no  contempt  of  the  sacrament,  it 
brings  no  prejudice  to  the  salvation  of  your  child,  that  it  died 
before  you  had  leisure  or  the  means  to  have  it  baptized.  Thus 
there  is  no  cause  for  scandal  to  those  who  are  unwilling  to 
take  offence  without  reason.  This  you  may  easily  shew  to 
all  the  brethren  in  order  to  appease  them.  "Whereupon  I 
conclude  after  commending  myself  affectionately  to  you  and 
your  excellent  spouse,  and  to  the  prayers  of  you  both,  as  I 
10 


74  BULLINGER.  [1554. 

on  my  part  entreat  our  merciful  Father  to  have  you  in  his 
holy  keeping,  to  fortify  you  by  his  holy  Spirit,  and  to  further 
you  more  and  more  in  all  good. — Your  humble  brother, 

John  Calvin. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107.] 


CCCLXV.— TO  BULLINGER. 

Defence  of  the  Consensus — attacks  of  the  Bernese  clergy  on  Calvin. 

Geneva,  18th  September  1554. 

When  your  letter  was  delivered  to  me,  the  day  before  yester- 
day, by  our  friend  Morel,  a  messenger  presented  himself  here 
opportunely,  by  whom  I  might  have  let  you  know  how  much 
pleasure  it  afforded  me.  But  a  complaint  which  confined  me 
to  bed,  this  morning,  prevented  me  from  writing  back  to  you 
as  I  had  intended.  Now,  though  I  had  already  made  my 
apology  to  the  messenger,  yet  I  have  felt  a  wish  to  hold  a  little 
gossip  with  you,  rather  than  send  him  away  quite  empty- 
handed.  I  will  send  ere  long  the  defence  of  our  Consensus.1 
But  lest  you  should  by  chance  anticipate  something  very  fine, 
I  must  give  you  notice  beforehand,  that  it  will  be  written 
hurriedly,  and  without  much  expense  of  labour  or  correction. 
Of  the  state  of  our  affairs,  I  write  to  you  nothing,  except  that 
we  are  still  floating  in  suspense,  that  through  our  sluggish- 
ness, the  profligate  are  allowed  to  make  game  of  us  with  as 
much  sauciness  as  impunity.  Meanwhile,  I  am  more  than 
atrociously  outraged  by  our  neighbours.  For  the  preachers 
of  the  Bernese  territory  denounce  me  from  the  pulpit  for  a 
heretic,  worse  than  all  the  Papists  put  together,  and  the  more 
snappishly  each  one  falls  foul  of  me,  the  surer  he  is  if  meeting 
with  encouragement  and  protection.  Because  I  had  sufficiently 
experienced  that  nothing  was  to  be  hoped  for  from  our  own 

1  It  is  the  answer  to  the  attacks  of  AVestphal  (p.  52,  note  1),  and  the  writing  entitled  : 
"  A  defence  of  the  sound  and  orthodox  doctrine  respecting  the  Sacraments,"  Geneva, 
1554,  Zurich,  1555.  In  this  first  answer,  Calvin  abstained  from  naming  his  adversary, 
not  to  embitter  the  dispute  by  personalities.    Hospiniani,  Hist.  Sacr.  torn.  ii.  p.  419. 


1554.]  THE   SEIGXEURS    OF    BERNE.  75 

brethren,  whom  these  injuries,  however,  ought  to  affect,  I 
maintain  as  profound  a  silence  as  if  I  were  dumb.  The  wicked 
may  be  satiated  and  the  envious  glut  themselves  to  their 
heart's  content,  for  any  obstacle  that  I  throw  in  their  way. 
In  the  mean  time  the  Lord  will  look  down  from  heaven  and 
will  be  avenged.  Farewell,  most  accomplished  man,  and  highly 
honoured  brother.  Salute  in  my  name,  M.  Pellican,  M.  Gualter, 
Zuingli,  your  sons-in-law,  your  wife  and  family.  May  the 
Lord  have  you  all  in  his  keeping,  and  load  you  with  blessings 
of  every  kind.  I  do  not  reply  to  M.  Charles  Du  Moulin,  be- 
cause I  had  written  to  him  a  short  while  ago.  I  am  not  a 
little  apprehensive  lest  his  moroseness  should  be  hurtful  to 
his  defence  of  the  good  cause.1  I  am  anxiously  waiting,  as 
well  as  many  good  men,  for  the  result  of  the  convention  at 
Baden.  Again,  farewell.  My  colleagues,  and  many  friends 
respectfully  salute  you.     Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich,  Gallic.  Scrip.  24.     Gest.  vi.  p.  20.] 


CCCLXYI. — To  the  Seigneurs  of  Berne.2 

Complaints  on  the  subject  of  the  invectives  pronounced  by  several  Bernese  ministers 
against  the  clergy  of  Geneva. 

Geneva,  4th  October  1554. 

Eight  worshipful,  puissant,  and  honourable  seigneurs, 
— After  presenting  to  you  our  humble  commendations  and 
services,  we  beg  you  to  excuse  us  for  having  recourse  to  you 

1  See  the  letter  to  Dumoulin  and  the  prudent  counsels  which  the  Reformer  addressed 
to  him,  p.  47. 

"While  Calvin  had  to  struggle  against  the  party  of  the  Libertines  at  Geneva,  he 
was  exposed  to  the  keenest  attacks  on  the  part  of  some  of  the  Bernese  clergy.  Pro- 
tectors of  the  double  revolution  which  had  given  independence  and  the  Reform  to 
Geneva,  the  Seigneurs  of  Berne  saw  with  extreme  regret  the  diversity  of  ceremonies 
which  separated  the  two  churches.  They  especially  protested  against  the  doctrine  of 
excommunication  which  Calvin  energetically  maintained,  and  which  seemed  to  them 
a  blow  aimed  at  the  civil  power.  From  these  different  motives,  they  willingly  shut 
their  eyes  upon  the  liberties  taken  by  some  of  their  ministers,  and  shewed  themselves 
but  little  disposed  to  repress  the  attacks  made  upon  Calvin  and  the  ministers  of 
Geneva.     Arch,  of  the  Church  of  Berne.     Ruchat,  torn.  vi.  p.  119,  and  the  following. 


76  THE   SEIGNEURS    OF    BERNE.  [1554. 

to  complain  of  the  outrageous  and  scurrilous  reports  which 
are  set  afloat  respecting  us  in  your  country,  not  so  much  to 
defame  our  persons,  as  to  expose  the  gospel  and  Christianity 
itself  to  disgrace  and  ridicule.  You  are  aware,  messeigneurs, 
that  up  to  the  present  time  we  have  never  troubled  you 
with  our  quarrels,  not  that  we  have  not  often  had  just  cause 
to  inform  you  of  the  calumnies  that  have  been  propagated 
about  us,  but  because  we  had  rather  hold  our  peace  than  occa- 
sion ennui  and  molestation  to  your  Seigneuries.  Now  that  we 
are  compelled  to  break  silence,  we  trust  to  have  of  you  a 
courteous  and  ready  hearing,  and  that  of  your  kindness  you 
will  be  disposed  not  only  to  lend  us  an  ear,  but  even  to  remedy 
the  evil,  which  we  have  thought  proper  to  bring  to  your 
knowledge.  The  question  is  not  now  about  our  persons,  for 
if  we  had  been  falsely  blamed,  justice  lies  open  to  us  as  to 
everybody  throughout  the  whole  of  your  country ;  but  because 
those  of  whom  we  now  complain,  inveigh  principally  against 
the  doctrine  which  we  teach,  a  subject  not  to  be  handled  in 
law  courts,  nor  made  matter  of  pleadings;  for  that  reason  we 
have  thought  proper  to  seek  redress  from  your  excellencies. 
I  have  no  occasion  to  point  out  to  your  Seigneuries,  the  blame 
and  disgrace  which  will  accrue  to  the  Gospel,  if  the  preachers 
of  the  country  of  Berne,  and  other  of  its  subjects  shall  call  the 
preachers  of  Geneva  heretical.  Your  own  experience  will 
make  that  but  too  clear  to  you.  Even  if  there  should  be  some 
difference  in  point  of  doctrine,  considering  how  closely  we 
are  watched,  and  how  we  are  carped  at  by  the  enemies  of  the 
faith,  it  were  but  fair,  in  order  to  shut  their  mouths,  to  employ 
prudence  and  moderation.  But  since  God  has  granted  us  the 
grace  to  be  bound  together  on  both  sides  in  strict  concord, 
those  who  clamour  and  bluster  against  us  shew  by  that,  not 
only  that  they  seek  for  nothing  but  disorder  and  subjects  of 
scandal,  but  that  they  are  at  the  same  time  like  firebrands 
which  destroy  the  sacred  union,  which  by  the  grace  of  God 
has  hitherto  subsisted  between  us.  Your  preachers  by  the 
same  grace  live  together  in  concord.  Demand  of  them  on 
what  terms  they  are  with  us;  for  if  they  do  not  protest  that 
that  there  is  as  strict  a  fraternity  and  as  cordial  a  harmony 


1554.]  THE   SEIGNEURS    OF    BERNE.  77 

between  us  as  any  one  could  desire,  we  ask  not  to  be  favour- 
ably entertained  by  your  excellencies.  But  if  they  declare,  as 
we  are  convinced  they  will,  that  there  is  no  pique  nor  con- 
troversy between  us,  this  ought  to  be  an  unanswerable  argu- 
ment that  our  detractors  consult  neither  your  honour,  ad- 
vantage, nor  tranquillity.  On  our  part  we  can  confidently 
protest,  that  it  has  always  been  our  endeavour  to  remain 
strictly  united  according  to  the  truth  of  God  with  all  your 
miuisters.  So  that  in  supplicating  you  to  deign  to  undertake 
our  cause,  we  require  of  you  nothing  but  to  defend  the  honour 
of  God  and  your  own. 

Now  the  case  we  beg  of  you  to  examine  is  the  following. 
Iu  an  assembly  of  the  class  of  Morges,  in  presence  of  a  great 
many  people,  an  individual  so  calumniated  our  brother,  Master 
John  Calvin,  that  the  rumour  is  current  all  over  the  country 
of  his  being  condemned  as  a  heretic.  This  word  moreover 
was  frequently  reiterated.  Since  that  time  Zebedee,  a  preacher 
of  Nyon,  at  the  nuptials  of  the  son  and  of  the  daughter  of  the 
Seigneur  of  Crans,  speaking  of  the  doctrine  which  we  hold, 
and  which  we  are  prepared  to  seal  with  our  blood,  said  pub- 
licly from  the  pulpit,  that  it  was  a  heresy  worse  than  any  of 
the  errors  of  Popery,  that  those  who  preach  it  are  Papists,  and 
that  they  would  commit  a  less  dangerous  error  in  maintaining 
the  Mass.  In  the  meanwhile  one  Jerosme,1  who,  as  you  know 
has  been  banished  on  account  of  his  errors  from  Geneva, 
makes  no  scruple  to  call  our  brother  Calvin  a  heretic  and 
Antichrist.  Consider,  right  worshipful  Lords,  if  we  can 
smother  over  such  an  affair  without  being  traitors  to  God, 
who  has  given  us  in  charge,  as  saith  the  Apostle,  not  only  to 

1  Banished  for  life  from  Geneva,  Bolsec  retired  to  the  territory  of  Berne,  and  lived 
successively  at  Thonon  and  Lausanne.  But  the  license  of  his  opinions  and  the  coarse 
violence  of  his  attacks  on  the  ministers  of  Geneva  drew  on  him  auew  the  severity  of 
the  magistrates.  Expelled  from  the  country  of  Berne  as  he  had  been  from  Geneva, 
he  returned  to  France,  wandered  from  city  to  city  and  vainly  solicited  the  title  of 
minister  from  the  synod  of  Orleans  (1562).  Rejected  by  the  Reformed  churches,  he 
returned  to  the  Catholic  church  and  avenged  himself  for  the  rigour  which  he  had  en- 
countered at  Geneva  in  publishing  an  outrageous  pamphlet  against  the  memory  of 
Calvin.  It  is  the  book  entitled  "  Hhtory  of  the  life,  manners,  acts,  doctrine,  and  death 
of  John  Calvin,"  par  M.  Hieroxme  [Msec,  Lyons,  1577. 


78  THE   SEIGNEURS   OF   BERNE.  [1554. 

instruct  the  docile,  but  also  to  resist  the  gainsayers.  Where- 
fore we  confidently  hope,  that  as  faithful  and  Christian  Princes, 
you  will  holdout  a  hand  to  us  in  this  matter,  and  that  you 
will  not  suffer  the  church  of  God  to  be  rent  by  divisions  under 
your  protection,  nor  the  gospel  to  be  ill-spoken  of.  Nay, 
since  abstaining  from  raising  troubles  and  disturbance,  we 
have  peaceably  recourse  to  you,  that  this  consideration  will 
dispose  you  so  much  the  more  readily  to  apply  an  efficacious 
remedy  to  the  evil,  that  so  God  shall  be  glorified,  the  scandal 
taken  away,  and  the  audaciousness  of  those  who  seek  only  to 
throw  everything  into  confusion,  repressed.  Thus  shall  we  be 
bound  more  and  more,  being  relieved  by  your  equity  and 
impartial  justice,  to  pray  God  for  your  prosperity,  as  in  fact 
we  do  supplicate  him  to  have  you  in  his  holy  keeping,  to 
govern  you  by  his  Holy  Spirit  in  all  justice  and  righteousness, 
making  subservient  to  his  glory  the  authority  he  has  conferred 
on  you. 

When  you  shall  be  pleased,  right  worshipful  Lords,  to  give 
orders  for  more  fully  ascertaining  the  fact,  we  are  prepared  to 
confirm  every  particular,  as  it  has  been  here  set  down  in 
writing,  though  there  will  be  but  little  need  of  a  long  enquiry, 
as  public  rumour  has  made  it  everywhere  notorious. — Your 
humble  servants,  the  ministers  of  the  word  of  God  in  the 
Church  of  Geneva. 

John  Calvin. 

Abel  Pouppin. 

Franc.  Bourgoin. 

Kaymond  Ciiauvet. 

Michel  Cop. 

De  Saint- Andre. 

John  Fabri. 

[Fr.  copy. — Archives  of  Henry  Tronchin  at  Geneva] 


1554.]  THE   SWISS   CHURCHES.  79 


CCCLXVIL— To  the  Swiss  Churches.1 

Defence  of  the  Consensus  and  refutation  of  a  tract  of  Joachim  Westphal. 

Geneva,  6th  October  1554. 

Already  four  years  have  elapsed  since  the  summary  of  our 
confession  concerning  the  sacraments  made  its  appearance,  a 
work  which  we  imagined  would  at  last  entirely  extinguish 
those  unhappy  contests,  which  had  too  long  exercised  pious 
and  learned  men.  And  certainly  in  that  brief  compendium 
we  had  comprised  what  might  suffice  to  tranquillize  well  dis- 
posed minds.  The  result,  moreover,  attested  not  only  that  our 
purpose  had  been  duly  appreciated  by  serious  and  judicious 
men,  but  that  the  measure  itself  had  met  with  their  approba- 
tion. And  if  in  certain  individuals  there  still  lurked  a  greater 
obstinacy,  or,  as  is  but  too  common  in  a  disturbed  state  of 
affairs,  a  more  deeply  rooted  suspicion  than  was  compatible 
with  their  coming  to  an  immediate  agreement  with  us,  yet 
did  they  testify  by  their  silence,  that  nothing  seemed  more 
desirable  to  them  than  to  cultivate  a  good  intelligence  and 
tranquillity.  In  the  mean  time  men  of  no  education  indeed, 
and  turbulent,  while  others  hold  their  peace,  have  assumed 
the  license  of  making  an  outcry,  so  that  from  their  violence, 
unless  it  be  checked,  a  new  conflagration  is  to  be  apprehended. 

1  To  the  faithful  ministers  of  Christ,  the  Pastors,  teachers,  and  fellow  Christians  of 
the  Churches  of  Zurich,  Berne,  Basle,  SchafThausen,  Coire,  and  the  whole  country  of 
the  Grisons,  of  St.  Gall,  Biel,  and  Neufchatel,  our  very  upright  and  ever  to  be  hon- 
oured brethren. 

In  his  first  tract,  Westphal  had  attacked  as  mendacious  the  union  between  the 
French  and  Swiss  Churches,  on  the  question  of  the  sacrament;  he  opposed  to  this 
the  agreement  of  interpretation  and  of  faith  which  reigned,  he  said,  among  the  differ- 
ent Lutheran  Churches,  whilst  by  the  rashest  explanations,  he  himself  substituted  for 
the  semi-spiritual  doctrine  of  Luther,  a  new  conception  of  the  sacrament  to  which  he 
attributed  a  gross  and  physical  efficaeity,  which  Luther  would  have  reprobated.  His 
attacks  had  not  failed  to  plunge  into  the  greatest  perplexity,  the  minds  it  should  have 
been  his  business  to  re-assure  and  bring  back  to  the  unity,  so  laboriously  established 
by  means  of  mutual  concessions.  Calvin,  addressing  himself  to  the  Churches  of  Swit- 
zerland, strove  to  consolidate  the  work  which  he  had  so  successfully  accomplished 
some  years  before.     Hospiniani,  Hist.  Sacr.  p.  419,  and  the  following. 


80  THE   SWISS    CHURCHES.  [1554. 

But  because  they  are  few  in  number,  and  possess  no  sort  of 
merit  to  procure  them  credit  and  authority,  or  rather  a  blun- 
dering and  insipid  babbling  renders  them  not  less  ridiculous 
than  they  are  odious,  they  might  justly  be  treated  with  con- 
tempt, were  it  not  that,  by  giving  themselves  airs  of  pleading 
the  public  cause,  though  they  are  persons  of  no  note  what- 
ever, they  nevertheless  by  false  pretexts  deceive  many  of  the 
simple  and  unlearned  class.  But  when  we  see  that  they  are 
doing  much  mischief,  and  our  patience  but  increases  every 
day  their  audacity,  a  just  and  imperious  necessity  urges  us  to 
cry  out  in  our  turn.  And  yet,  in  truth,  though  their  writings 
are  disseminated  every  where,  by  which  the  good  are  afflicted, 
the  weak  perplexed,  and  the  profligate  armed  for  the  strife, 
it  is  with  reluctance,  and  after  a  painful  struggle  that  I 
have  brought  myself  publicly  to  combat  their  folly.  But 
deeming  it  cruel  to  the  good  and  simple  not  to  extricate  them 
from  error,  by  exposing  the  fallacies  which  mislead  them,  I 
can  no  longer  refrain  from  openly  taking  the  field  against 
these  men's  perversity.  I  wished  also  to  remind  the  grave 
and  learned  men,  whose  names  have  been  used  as  a  mask  by 
these  scoundrels,  that  it  was  their  duty  to  see  that  this  inso- 
lence do  not  gain  ground.  For  not  to  mention  that  it  be- 
comes all  pious  men  to  bestir  themselves  to  prevent  the  con- 
flagration, which  Satan  is  lighting,  by  means  of  these  fire- 
brands, from  spreading  wider,  it  certainly  more  peculiarly  con- 
cerns the  men  I  mention,  than  it  does  us,  that  the  foolish  fer- 
ment should  be  assuaged,  which  may  boil  over  to  the  common 
disgrace  of  many  churches.  Ignorant  and  besotted  men,  while 
they  are  rekindling  the  Sacramentarian  war,  audaciously  boast, 
in  the  very  first  pages  of  their  books,  that  they  are  entering 
the  lists  for  the  whole  of  Saxony  and  the  neighbouring  coun- 
tries. While  many  lend  credit  to  that  assertion,  some  are 
drawn  in  by  the  pious  respect  which  they  entertain  for  the 
Saxon  churches;  others  ridicule  these  churches  for  employ- 
ing such  illiterate  and  paltry  advocates  ;  others  are  surprised 
at  the  excessive  forbearance  of  the  saner  party.  But  the  im- 
pious and  avowed  enemies  of  Christ  derive  as  much  pleasure 
from  our  mutual  bickerings,  as   prize-fighters  do  from   the 


1554.]  THE   SWISS    CHURCHES.  81 

skirmishes  of  the  fencing  school.  Since  then  all  dissimula- 
tion is  base,  which  leaves  a  free  and  unrestrained  passage  for 
so  many  evils,  let  learned  and  prudent  men  look  to  it,  whether 
it  be  not  incumbent  on  them  to  moderate  those  headstrong 
attacks,  whence  they  see  so  much  detriment  accruing  to  the 
church.  And  since  I  desire  that  all  who  are  not  utterly  in- 
tractable, or  have  not  yet  compromised  themselves  by  too  ex- 
travagant a  conduct,  should  return  quietly  to  their  sober 
senses ;  nay,  that  no  one  should  complain  that  the  door  is 
closed  against  his  repentance,  I  shall  allude  at  some  length 
but  to  one  individual,  and  that  too  without  naming  him.  He 
then,  whoever  he  is,  after  having,  in  braggadocio  style,  pro- 
fessed himself  the  most  valorous  champion  of  the  orthodox 
faith,  avows  for  his  teachers,  great  and  distinguished  men 
whom  I  love  and  venerate,  and  calls  them  in  to  his  aid  as 
auxiliaries.  Lo,  under  what  auspices  he  would  engage  the 
leading  doctors  of  the  church  in  a  contest  with  us,  that  like 
bad  scholars  these  should  follow  the  rashness  of  their  master, 
as  soldiers  placed  behind  the  ranks  for  a  body  of  reserve.  But 
what  kind  of  enemies  does  he  assign  them  to  combat?  Those 
to  whom  he  gives  indeed  the  name  of  Sacramentarians,  but  as 
he  defines  the  word,  it  is  evident  that  his  attacks  are  directed 
against  those  who,  in  the  bread  of  the  Eucharist  and  the  blood 
of  Jesus  Christ,  recognize  nothing  but  empty  signs.  If  so  it 
is,  let  this  irregular  and  self-chosen  warrior  lay  down  his 
arms,  and  leave  the  field  to  legitimate  and  capable  leaders. 
There  are  renowned  churches  among  the  Swiss,  and  the  Gri- 
sons,  among  which  ours  also  is  reckoned.  From  among  these 
at  least  some  skilful  chiefs  will  come  forth,  to  lead  the  van, 
and  will  draw  along  with  them  a  vast  body  of  troops  to  sup- 
port, not  less  valiantly  than  faithfully,  in  the  defence  of  their 
just  opinions,  the  brunt  of  this  war.  For  which  of  us  does 
not  maintain  that  there  is  something  real,  figured  under 
the  sacred  symbols?  But  having  thus  preluded,  while,  enu- 
merating one  by  one  men  against  whom  it  is  quite  ridiculous 
to  bring  forward  the  accusations  which  he  lays  to  their  charge, 
he   publicly  produces  the  formulary  of   our  agreement,   in 

which  the  error  he  mentions  is  distinctly  repudiated,  can  any 
11 


82  THE   SWISS   CHURCHES.  [1554. 

thing  be  conceived  more  impudent  or  more  preposterous, 
than  this  man's  conduct  ?  Nor  need  we  rest  the  defence  of 
our  cause  on  any  thing  else,  since  he  himself  indeed  quotes 
our  own  words  in  which  we  confess  that  in  the  Lord's  Supper 
the  body  of  Christ  is  truly  imparted  to  believers.  What! 
When  it  is  asserted  that  there  is  a  true  imparting,  is  there  no- 
thing left  but  the  bare  and  empty  sign  ?  There  remains  to 
him  the  pitiful  subterfuge  of  a  vain  quibble :  viz.,  that  it  is 
of  a  spiritual  eating  that  we  speak.  Would  he  then  have  it 
to  be  a  carnal  one?  But  he  does  not  think  that  we  discern  a 
real  body;  as  if,  forsooth,  like  him,  and  fellows  of  his  sort, 
we  conjured  up  a  phantom  instead  of  a  body.  We,  on  the 
contrary,  when  we  know  that  there  was  but  one  sole  body  of 
Christ,  which  was  offered  up  as  a  victim  to  reconcile  us  to 
God,  assent  at  the  same  time  that  that  very  body  is  offered  to 
us  in  the  Lord's  Supper,  because,  in  order  that  Christ  may 
communicate  to  us  the  grace  of  the  salvation  which  he  has 
procured,  it  behoves  that  body  first  to  be  appropriated  b}'  us 
and  the  flesh  of  Christ  to  be  made  vivifying  in  us,  since  from 
it  we  derive  spiritual  life.  For  these  very  words  we  have 
employed  in  the  summary  of  our  consensus,  of  which  he  him- 
self, citing  certain  passages,  dishonestly  and  perfidiously  dis- 
sembles this  capital  point.  What!  When  he  had  premised 
that  he  would  quote  to  the  letter  the  things  which  had  been 
published  by  us,  by  what  right  did  he  allow  himself  to  detach 
violently  the  connected  members  of  a  sentence,  for  fear  the 
full  confession  harmonizing  with  the  context  should  meet  the 
eyes  of  his  reader?  Is  not  this  in  truth  acting  like  a  mad 
dog  which  snaps  at  the  first  stone  it  comes  to?  But  else- 
where, and  indeed  a  little  after,  he  produces  from  our  writings 
distinct  testimonies  respecting  the  real  import  of  the  signs 
which  he  mendaciously  asserts  to  be  denied  by  us.  And  this 
knave  reproaches  us  with  double  dealing,  asserting  we 
delude  the  simple  by  our  prolix  disquisitions  on  spiritual 
manducation.  As  if  in  truth  it  were  possible  for  any  one  to 
manducate  Christ  spiritually,  without  having  at  the  same  time 
Christ  abiding  in  him,  without  coalescing  with  Christ's  body, 
and  living  in  it,  which  result  again  cannot  take  place,  unless 


1551]  THE   SWISS    CHURCHES.  83 

Christ  himself,  as  he  was  once  offered  up  as  a  sacrifice  for  us, 
do  not  exhibit  himself  to  be  enjoyed  by  us.  Whence  it  fol- 
lows, that  his  flesh  is  also  vivifying.  Having  preluded  thus 
pompously  about  the  appearance  of  an  error  which  he  com- 
bats, he  then  strives  to  create  hatred  against  us,  for  the  dis- 
crepancies of  our  opinions.  It  is  the  property  of  heretics,  he 
says,  to  differ  from  each  other.  Should  I  grant  this,  In  what, 
I  ask,  does  it  apply  to  us?  He  answers,  because  according  to 
some  the  bread  signifies  the  body — to  others  it  is  a  symbol, 
to  a  third  party,  a  memorial,  to  another,  a  representation — 
some  deem  it  a  testimony  or  seal  of  communion,  some  a  com- 
memoration of  his  flesh  delivered  up  for  us,  some  an  attesta- 
tion which  typifies  spiritual  grace,  and  others  in  fine  hold  it 
for  a  participation  in  his  body.  Who  can  fail  to  see  that  he 
is  prevaricating?  For  these  forms  of  expression,  so  aptly 
agreeing,  form  the  highest  eulogium  that  could  be  bestowed  on 
our  consensus.  And  lest  the  bare  enumeration  of  the  words 
should  appear  rather  obscure,  this  ingenious  man  has  deline- 
ated in  a  chart  this  discrepancy.  But  while  he  sees  that  in 
words  Matthew  differs  still  more  from  Paul,  and  Mark  from 
Luke,  of  whom  some  call  it  the  cup,  others  the  blood  of  the 
testament,  others  a  testament  through  blood ;  to  solve  this 
knotty  point,  he  opposes  to  their  differences  our  contradictions, 
not  in  words  alone,  but  also  in  the  sense.  What  then !  Do  the 
terms — sign,  signification,  figure,  symbol,  representation,  con- 
vey a  contradictory  sense — words  that  have  so  close  an  affinity, 
that  by  any  one  of  them  all  the  others  are  immediately  sug- 
gested? And  it  is  for  reasons  like  these,  that  turbulent  men, 
from  the  shores  of  the  frozen  ocean,  cast  about  their  fire- 
brands to  involve  all  Europe  in  a  conflagration.  But  what 
answer  will  he  make  respecting  himself  and  his  associates  ? 
Now  he  declares  the  words  of  Christ:  that  the  bread  is  his 
body,  to  be  clear  of  themselves  and  to  stand  in  need  of  no  in- 
terpretation, and  a  moment  after,  he  does  not  deny  that  in 
them  there  lurks  a  trope.  Need  I  inquire  with  whom  this 
madman  is  engaged  in  conflict  who  so  directly  crushes  him- 
self? But  let  him  name  at  least  the  trope,  which  does  not  dis- 
pense us,  he  says,  from  taking  the  bread  to  mean  the  body  in 


84  THE    SWISS    CHURCHES.  [1554. 

a  proper  sense.  Assuredly  every  trope  implies  a  departure 
from  the  literal  meaning.  Now,  indeed,  he  is  fairly  caught, 
for,  when  laying  down  his  own  opinion,  he  dissents  from  many 
whom  he  calls  heretics,  it  will  be  found  that  he  himself  is  one 
of  these  heretics.  Unless  perhaps,  that  he  alone  should  be 
exempted  from  this  unlucky  term  of  reproach,  he  will  shew 
that  the  interpretation  which  he  gives  to  this  trope  has 
been  implicitly  sanctioned  by  public  and  unanimous  consent. 
But  on  this  point  he  maintains  a  cautious  silence,  lest  he 
should  be  found  pronouncing  a  judgment  on  a  matter  which 
is  unknown.  Add  that  in  other  passages  he  confesses  that 
some  of  us  make  use  of  expressions  equivalent  to  those  em- 
ployed by  persons  of  unquestioned  orthodoxy,  but  attach  to 
them  a  different  signification.  Where  then  will  be  found  that 
discrepancy  in  words,  which  alone  makes  heretics  even  of 
those,  whose  only  reason  for  dissenting  from  others,  is  that 
they  may  not  subscribe  to  errors?  Stupid  ass!  what  man  does 
not  see  that  the  oxen  of  your  country  bellow  more  rationally 
than  you  speak?  And  yet  I  do  not  dissemble,  that  he  after- 
wards collects  divers  opinions,  which,  though  they  are  not  in 
reality  irreconcilable,  do  nevertheless  present  a  greater 
appearance  of  contradiction.  But  first,  if  an  expression  has 
dropt  from  any  one  incidentally,  he  maliciously  lays  hold  of 
it,  as  if  it  were  a  full  definition  ;  next,  when  every  man  has, 
and  should  be  allowed  to  have,  his  own  way  of  expressing 
himself,  he  unfairly,  not  to  say  barbarously,  imposes  on  all 
the  necessity,  not  only  of  saying  the  same  thing,  but  also  in 
the  same  manner.  Does  not  St.  Augustin,  nay,  does  not  St. 
Paul  express  the  same  idea,  when  he  declares  that  we  are  all 
one  bread  ?  Another  has  said,  that  the  memory  of  our 
redemption  is  celebrated  in  it,  exactly  indeed  as  we  learn 
from  St.  Paul,  and  from  the  Son  of  God,  the  common  Master 
of  us  all,  that  the  intention  of  the  Lord's  Supper  is,  that  we 
should  have  a  solemn  announcement  of  his  death.  From  this 
no  one  but  some  tragical  Orestes  would  ever  raise  a  tragedy. 
But  granting  that  dissensions  existed  for  some  time,  because 
the  matter  could  not  be  sufficiently  cleared  up  immediately 
in  the  beginning,  was  it  pious  or  humane  to  tear  up  afresh  a 


155-i.]  THE    SWISS    CHURCHES.  85 

wound  that  was  cicatrized  ?  Lest  any  variety  should  trouble 
pious  readers,  lo,  our  consensus  is  interposed.  This  good 
zealot  sees  that  all  whom  he  calls  Sacramentarians,  under- 
stand and  express  themselves  in  the  same  manner.  Nor,  if 
those  excellent  and  distinguished  servants  of  Christ,  Zuingli 
and  (Ecolampadius,  were  still  alive,  would  they  change  a 
single  word  in  that  resolution.  For  that  man  of  glorious 
memory,  Martin  Bucer,  when  he  had  read  it,  congratulated 
according  to  his  piety,  in  a  letter  written  to  me,  the  whole 
church— and  how  much  spite  this  knave  according  to  his  ran- 
corous spirit  bore  to  Bucer,  is  abundantly  proved  by  his 
abuse  of  him.  And  indeed,  not  that  I  might  retaliate  his 
calumnies,  but  that  instead  of  his  foolish  reproach  I  might  re- 
establish the  true  argument,  do  I  thus  handle  him.  It  is  the 
property  of  the  Devil  to  calumniate,  whence  also  he  derives 
his  name ;  it  is  the  property  of  the  same  to  spread  darkness 
over  the  light ;  it  is  the  property  of  the  same,  in  fine,  because 
he  is  the  father  of  discord,  to  disturb  the  peace  and  violate  the 
unity  of  the  faith.  When  all  these  properties  are  openly 
recognized  in  that  censor  of  ours,  in  what  light  he  is  to  be 
viewed  can  be  doubtful  to  no  one.  But,  because  it  becomes 
us  to  labour  to  defend  the  cause  of  truth,  and  to  cherish  peace, 
with  no  less  zeal  than  Satan  plots  for  the  overthrow  of  both, 
I  have  thought  that  something  should  be  attempted  in  this 
affair,  my  very  excellent,  and  truly  to  be  honoured  brethren, 
that  those  who  have  hitherto  been  rather  unmanageable  might 
become  perhaps  more  pliable,  or,  at  least,  that  pious,  grave, 
and  moderate  teachers  should  be  directed  to  bring  to  reason 
hot-headed  fellows  of  this  sort.  And,  because  the  extreme 
conciseness  of  our  former  writing  lays  it  open  to  the  cavils  of 
certain  persons,  nor  does  it  entirely  extirpate  the  doubts  too 
deeply  implanted  in  the  minds  of  many,  that  no  scruple  should 
remain  in  them,  the  best  method  appeared  to  me  to  be,  to  ex- 
plain our  mind  more  fully,  that  the  confession  might  be  the 
same,  but  rendered  clearer  by  greater  copiousness  of  expres- 
sion. The  individual  to  whom  I  have  but  too  often  alluded, 
reproaches  us  with  such  a  chaos  of  opinions,  that  no  one  un- 
derstands another.     But  I  believe  that  I  am  too  well  ac- 


86  JOHN   PAULE.  [1554. 

quainted  with  the  sentiments  of  you  all,  not  to  be  confident 
that  I  have  set  down  nothing  here,  but  what  every  one  of  you 
would  have  written.  For  I  do  not  arrogate  to  myself  the 
privilege  of  dictating  to  you,  or  of  taking  the  lead,  but  I  profess 
to  you  my  entire  submission,  on  this  condition,  that  according 
to  your  own  judgment  you  shall  decide  whatever  may  be  most 
expedient.  And  this  task  I  have  undertaken  with  the  greater 
confidence,  that  I  had  already  experienced,  and  you  had  testi- 
fied by  an  evident  proof,  that  a  similar  labour  which  with 
pious  assiduity  I  had  freely  undertaken,  received  your  appro- 
bation. Farewell,  my  best,  and  ever  to  be  respected  brethren. 
May  the  Lord  stand  by  you,  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  and 
bless  your  labours.  My  colleagues  respectfully  salute  you.1 
— Yours,  John  Calvin. 

[Lot.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich.     Gest.  vi.  105,  p.  601.] 


CCCLXYIIL— To  John  Paule.2 

Instruction  relating  to  the  manner  of  conferring  Baptism. 

llth  October  1554. 

Respecting  the  counsel  which  our  well  beloved  brother 
John  Paule  has  asked  of  us,  we  have  judged  it  most  proper  to 
give  an  answer  in  writing,  in  order  that  all  whom  it  may  con- 
cern, may  be  more  fully  instructed  thereupon. 

If  there  is  a  man  living  under  the  tyranny  of  the  Pope, 
who,  abstaining  from  the  idolatries  and  pollutions  which  there 
abound,  desires  at  the  same  time  to  offer  his  children 
purely  unto  God,  and  have  them  baptized  according  to  the 
right  rule  of  the  gospel,  his  zeal  is  holy  and  praise-worthy. 
For  in  reality  it  is  great  baseness  when  a  treasure,  such  as 
children  are,  is  granted  by  God,  so  soon  as  it  has  been  bestowed 

1  Follows  a  long  memorial  on  the  Sacraments  signed  by  Calvin.  Arch,  of  Zurich, 
Gest.  vi.  604,  611. 

aAlciat  John  Paule,  of  Savillian  in  Piedmont,  received  citizen  of  Geneva  the  10th 
November  1555.  He  was  one  of  the  principal  members  of  the  Italian  Church,  estab- 
lished in  this  city.  He  had  at  a  later  period  some  contests  with  Calvin  respecting 
the  dogma  of  the  Trinity. 


1554.]  FAREL.  87 

to  pollute  it  with  the  superstitions  which  men  have  mixed 
up  with  the  holy  ordinance  of  baptism.  But  since  this  sac- 
rament is  a  solemn  reception  into  the  church  of  God,  or 
rather  a  testimony  of  burghership  in  the  heavenly  city  into 
which  are  enrolled  all  those  whom  God  adopts  for  his  children, 
above  all  things  it  is  to  be  observed  that  it  is  not  lawful  to 
administer  it  except  in  the  society  of  professed  believers.  Not 
that  it  is  necessary  to  have  a  public  temple,  but  assuredly  it 
is  indispensable  that  there  should  be  a  certain  flock  assembled, 
forming  a  body  constituted  as  a  church,  and  recognizing  for 
its  pastor,  the  person  appointed  to  baptize.  For  should  a 
child  be  baptized  in  private  and  without  witnesses,  the  cere- 
mony would  in  no  wise  correspond  to  the  ordinance  instituted 
by  Jesus  Christ,  nor  to  the  practice  of  the  Apostles.  It  is 
then  requisite  that  the  child  should  be  baptized  in  a  society 
that  keeps  itself  separate  from  the  pollutions  of  Popery. 

When  then  the  persons  of  whom  we  have  heard  shall 
have  at  their  disposal  such  means,  and  shall  be  disposed  to 
assemble  in  the  name  of  God,  though  they  should  form  but 
a  small  flock,  we  pray  God  that  he  would  fortify  them  in 
that  virtuous  zeal  which  he  has  bestowed  on  them  to  dedicate 
their  offspring  to  God  our  Father,  and  to  our  Eedeemer, 
Jesus  Christ.  When  it  shall  be  notified  to  us  that  such  is 
the  case,  we  shall  take  care,  as  in  duty  bound,  to  furnish  them 
with  a  fit  and  proper  person  to  discharge  this  office. 

John  Calyix. 
In  the  name  of  all  his  brethren. 
[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.     Yol.  145.] 


CCCLXIX.— To  Farel. 

Opinion  of  the  Swiss  Churches  with  regard  to  the  Consensus — sad  news  from  Ferrara 
— arrival  of  a  new  member  of  the  family  of  Bude  at  Geneva. 

Geneva,  let  November  1554. 

I  am  greatly  delighted  that  you  approve  so  heartily  of  the 
defence  of  our  consensus}     I  wish  the  inhabitants  of  Zurich 

1  See  the  letter  to  Bullinger,  p.  74. 


88  FAREL.  [1554. 

may  share  your  opinion.  But  as  I  see  that  they  are  mollified, 
I  am  pretty  nearly  confident,  that  they  will  neither  delay  nor 
demur  to  subscribe.  I  shrewdly  suspect  the  Bernese  in  their 
usual  way  will  excuse  themselves  by  alleging  that  they  did 
not  receive  the  permission  of  their  senate;  nor  will  timidity 
alone  prevent  them,  but  they  will  also  abstain  because  they 
had  rather  foster  in  silence  an  obscure  dissent,  than  communi- 
cate frankly  to  one  another  what  they  think.  If  we  obtain 
however  at  Zurich  what  I  expect,  they  will  have  to  be  urged 
even  with  importunity  to  give  their  adherence.  It  will  then 
be  your  business  to  be  instant  with  Bullinger,  that  he  may 
extort  something.  I  doubt  not  but  we  shall  have  the  worthy 
Blaurer  with  us,  and  not  only  from  his  piety  and  learning  he 
will  subscribe  to  us,  but  from  his  singular  courtesy,  and  ex- 
cessive affection  for  me,  he  will  also  extol  with  eulogiums  the 
feeble  tract  which  you  too  have  praised  too  liberally.  Nothing 
will  retard  the  inhabitants  of  Basle,  except  the  bland  temper 
of  Sulzer,  who  takes  a  pleasure  in  caressing  and  coaxing  every- 
body. But  God  will  direct  all  these  things.  I  do  not  know 
whether  I  wrote  to  you  about  the  rumours  with  which  the 
whole  neighbourhood  resounded,  of  my  being  condemned  for 
heresy  ;  how,  having  dispatched  John  Favre,  we  laid  a  sharp 
complaint  before  the  Senate  of  Berne,  and  that  then,  indeed, 
the  senate  promised  that  they  would  take  the  matter  into  con- 
sideration.    As  yet  however  no  answer  has  been  sent  back. 

Of  the  Duchess  of  Ferrara  we  have  sad  tidings,  and  more 
certain  than  I  could  have  wished.  Overcome  by  threats  and 
outrages  she  has  fallen  off.  What  can  I  say,  except  that  an 
example  of  constancy  is  rare  among  princes?  A  brother  of 
our  friend  Bud£,  who  was  a  groom  of  the  bedchamber  to  the 
King,  has  arrived  here.  Though  he  is  a  valetudinarian,  he 
wishes  nevertheless  to  pay  you  a  visit  ere  long.  In  the  mean 
time  he  salutes  you  and  his  other  friends  very  affectionately. 
About  the  trouble  in  the  church  of  Strasbourg,  we  could  not 
but  be  very  anxious.  To  interfere  with  them,  would  not  only 
be  useless  but  hurtful,  so  I  shall  remain  quiet.  Our  colleague 
has  not  prefixed  to  an  edition  of  the  Catechism,  the  names  of 
the  brethren.     He  gives  out  that  their  number  is  so  incon- 


1554:.]  THE    PASTORS    OF    ZURICH.  89 

siderable.  I  intended  to  write  by  him  respecting  our  affairs. 
Our  enemies,  unless  we  make  head  against  them,  are  plotting 
—what  I  do  not  clearly  foresee.  The  sluggishness  of  our  own 
party,  it  is  impossible  to  rouse. 

Farewell,  my  most  worthy  brother,  may  the  Lord  always 
stand  by  you,  sustain  you  by  his  strength,  and  govern  you  by 
his  Spirit. — Yours, 

Joh>*  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr.— Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 


CCCLXX.— To  the  Pastors  of  Zurich.1 

Some  explications  on  the  subject  of  corrections  proposed  for  the  defence  of  the 
Consensus. 

Geneva,  13d  Xovember  1554. 

I  received  your  letter,  my  very  worthy  and  highly  esteemed 
brethren,  on  the  7th  of  the  current  month.  I  feel  the  highest 
satisfaction  that  my  labour,  as  it  was  undertaken  by  me  with 
the  purest  intentions,  has  met  with  your  approbation,  and  I 
return  you  my  thanks  for  your  frankness  and  courtesy.  And 
your  sincerity  is  so  far  from  displeasing  me,  that  it  rather 
adds  to  my  joy,  that  without  reserve  or  hesitation  you  deal 
with  me  as  is  fitting  between  brethren.  I  am  confident,  also, 
that  in  your  turn  you  will  shew  me  so  much  indulgence  that, 
if  in  some  things  I  dissent  from  you,  you  will  not  only  par- 
don me,  but  not  demur  too  much  to  admit  with  patience  my 
reasons.  Though  I  will  presently  shew  you  that  there  is  but 
a  verv  slight,  or  no  difference  between  us,  and  that  too  on 
few  and  not  very  important  points.     Yet  though  I  said  that 

1  The  Ministers  of  Zurich  having  examined  the  defence  of  the  Consensus,  did  not 
hesitate  to  approve  of  it,  proposing  some  corrections  respecting  particulars,  which 
were  accepted  with  docility  by  Calvin,  or  discussed  with  fraternal  frankness.  Charged 
with  transmitting  to  his  colleagues  the  answer  of  Calvin,  Bullinger  wrote  to  the 
laUer  :— ;i  I  have  received,  honoured  sir  and  brother,  your  letters,  both  the  one  ad- 
dressed privately  to  myself,  and  the  other  which  you  meant  to  be  communicated : 
and  at  the  same  time  your  defence.  To-morrow  I  am  to  lay  them  before  them.  I 
bave  no  doubt  but  they  will  willingly  read  the  whole,  not  without  congratulating  and 
publicly  thanking  you."  Calv.  Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  92. 
12 


90  THE   PASTORS    OF   ZURICH.  [1554. 

your  sentiments  were  so  well  known  to  me,  that  my  writing 
contained  nothing  but  what  each  of  you  would  have  dictated, 
I  purposely  determined  to  oppose  this  boast  of  our  consensus 
to  the  calumny  of  Joachim  about  our  mutual  discordancies. 
But  my  intention  was  to  profess  this,  not  so  much  to  you  as 
publicly,  when  the  writing  itself  should  have  been  amended 
by  your  judgment. 

I  have  corrected  what  seemed  to  have  been  said  in  the  letter 
with  too  much  asperity  against  Joachim.  Nor  do  I  think 
that  any  thing  remains  which  could  offend  you,  for  though  I 
called  him  a  knave,  I  meant  not  by  that  term  to  call  him,  as 
you  seem  to  think,  a  rogue,  or  a  villain.  I  employed  the  word 
as  the  ancients  often  did,  merely  to  designate  a  good-for- 
nothing,  or  paltry  fellow.  I  have  also  expunged  the  expres- 
sion, "  stupid  ass,"  and  in  two  places  what  might  seem  said 
by  me  contemptuously  of  his  country,  and  the  whole  of  that 
sea  coast.  But  respecting  the  man  himself,  I  am  surprised  that 
you  wish  his  name  to  appear  in  the  title  page.  Our  vener- 
able brother,  M.  Bullinger,  had  written  to  me  that  his  opinion 
was  different.  In  this  opinion  I  certainly  concur,  for  there 
will  be  more  dignity  in  the  handling  of  the  cause,  if  there 
should  be  no  express  mention  made  of  a  private  individual, 
and  less  opportunity  afforded  to  a  garrulous  man  for  replying. 
And  it  is  better  that  certain  persons  who  are  engaged  in  the 
same  cause,  should  be  indirectly  glanced  at,  than  to  select  a 
single  adversary.  Nor  do  I  think  we  should  accord  so  much 
honour  to  a  vain-glorious  man,  as  to  make  him  more  spoken 
of.  Very  many  persons  too  would  say  that  we  were  thrown 
into  agitation  by  a  trifling  cause,  if  they  should  see  our  de- 
fence opposed  to  the  accusation  of  so  very  obscure  a  person. 
Moreover,  it  would  be  inconsistent  that  a  pamphlet  should  be 
addressed,  with  his  name  inscribed  on  it,  to  a  man,  whose 
words  I  only  allude  to  incidentally,  for  he  would  have  ample 
scope  for  boasting  that  he  had  not  been  answered.  It  will  be 
better  then  that  he  thus  be  pointed  out,  that  should  he  think 
of  advancing  further,  he  may  be  deterred  in  the  outset.  And 
thus  too  I  am  in  doubts  what  is  to  be  said  about  the  tables, 
for  I  am  afraid  that  it  would  not  be  consistent  with  reason, 


1554.]  THE    PASTORS   OF   ZURICH.  91 

when  I  touch  upon  other  subjects  and  even  on  the  whole  sum- 
mary so  slightly,  to  insist  so  largely  on  one  point.  But  if  a 
suitable  occasion  shall  present  itself,  I  leave  the  matter  to  your 
judgment.  Only  I  wished  to  shew  you,  that  unless  a  full 
refutation  of  the  work  should  go  forth,  it  seemed  to  me 
that  I  ought  to  speak  sparingly  of  the  man  and  his  imperti- 
nences, and  without  mentioning  his  name.  Perhaps  also  in 
this  manner  he  will  be  less  able  to  urge  his  neighbours  to  take 
a  part  in  the  war,  whom,  without  any  doubt,  he  would  clam- 
orously summon  to  his  aid,  if  he  were  attacked  by  name. 

Of  Luther  it  would  have  been  sufficient  for  me  to  be  re- 
minded in  one  word.  For  I  am  not  ignorant  with  what 
phrensy  he  broke  out  on  us,  nor  have  the  things  which  I  read 
in  your  apology  dropped  from  my1  memory  ;  I  knew  also 
his  wild  notion  about  consecrating  the  altar  as  an  object  of  re- 
ligious veneration.  But  when  I  see  that  often  from  the  vio- 
lence of  his  temper  he  hurled  invectives  on  friend  and  foe,  as 
if  in  these  contests  I  deemed  him  less  a  free  agent  than  the 
mouth-piece  of  ill  humour,  I  seek  to  cast  a  veil  over  them 
in  my  desire  to  promote  what  may  best  secure  peace.  You 
must  see,  indeed,  beforehand,  that  it  is  prudent  for  you  also  to 
be  on  your  guard,  lest  your  adversaries  fall  upon  you  more 
insolently.  For  that  reason  you  will  find  the  passage  cor- 
rected in  such  a  manner,  as  cannot  fail  to  be  agreeable  to  you. 

In  a  few  words,  my  worthy  brethren,  here  are  my  reasons  for 
not  being  entirely  of  your  opinion  respecting  the  confession 
of  Augsburg.  Though  it  proceeded  from  Luther,  which  is 
nowise  clear  to  me,  yet  the  continual  importunity  of  certain 
persons  obtained  of  Philip  the  erasure  of  a  word  from  this 
chapter.  "When  then  the  new  edition  came  out,  the  Papists 
raised  an  outcry  that  we  were  both  disciples  of  Zuingli  and 
forgers.  There  was  a  great  apprehension  of  disturbances, 
which  God  contrary  to  our  expectations  quieted.  For  the 
Marquis  of  Brandenburg,  who  was  then  intriguing  to  obtain 
the  command  in  the  war  against  the  Turks,  sent  clandestinely 
to  Luther,  one  of  the  princes  of  Anhalt,  with  a  mission  not 
only  to  detach  him  from  us,  but  to  excite  his  violence  against 

•  Vol.  i.  p.  432. 


92  THE    PASTORS    OF   ZURICH.  [1554. 

us.  Bat  Luther  in  this  conjuncture  gave  one  example  at  least 
of  moderation  in  his  life,  for,  sending  that  traitor  about  his 
business,  he  revealed  to  us  his  fraud  and  villany.  Of  the  men 
of  our  order  who  were  present,  Brentz  was  one  who  was  rather 
unfavourable,  but  who  had  already  been  made  a  little  more 
tractable.  I  had  brought  over  Cruciger  entirely  to  our 
side.  The  landgrave,  who,  secretly  tormented  by  the  thoughts 
of  his  double  marriage,  had  abandoned  himself  servilely  to 
Charles,  for  fear  this  double  marriage,  or  rather  this  unlawful 
marriage,  should  be  called  in  question,  suddenly  plucked  up 
courage.  Thus  the  votes  of  nearly  all  being  secured  for  it,  the 
new  edition  was  adopted.  For  the  clamour  which  Ampsdorf 
raised  against  Bucer,  was  treated  not  only  with  contempt 
but  derision.  Now,  though  no  danger  was  to  be  apprehended 
from  thence,  yet,  that  I  might  relieve  your  fears,  I  have 
changed  the  passage.  I  have  not  thought  proper  to  omit  all 
mention  of  the  confession,  not  to  excite  unnecessary  scruples 
in  the  minds  of  those  who  will  accede  to  our  party.  In  the 
mean  time,  I  have  closed  the  door  on  all  private  writings, 
among  which,  there  is  an  apology  which  displeases  its  own 
author  so  much  on  this  point,  that  he  by  no  means  desires  us 
to  subscribe  to  his  opinion,  or  give  him  our  adherence. 

In  that  passage  where  I  affirm  that  the  Sacraments  are  not 
beneficial  to  all  without  distinction,  but  only  to  those  in  whom 
God  operates  according  to  his  good  pleasure,  forgive  me  if  I 
have  not  expunged  what- 1  considered  as  soundly  and  reason- 
ably written  by  me,  nor  introduced  word  for  word  what  you 
wished  me  to  insert.  For  that  description  of  St.  Augustin's 
in  which  he  says  that  the  body  of  Christ  is  the  society  of  the 
faithful,  besides  that  it  is  mutilated  and  obscure,  would  lead 
many  not  ill-disposed  persons  to  suspect,  that  what  was  to  be 
said  of  Christ  its  head  is  covertly  and  craftily  transferred  to 
the  Church.  Moreover,  on  examining  more  closely  all  the 
passages  which  did  not  satisfy  you,  you  will  find  them  so  cor- 
rected or  modified,  that  it  will  be  quite  evident  that  I  have 
not  been  opinionated  nor  indocile  to  your  counsels.  In  the 
four  or  five  passages  immediately  following,  I  trust  I  have 
given  you  satisfaction,  at  least  the  definition  which  we  have 


• 


1554.]  TIIE    PASTORS    OF    ZURICH.  93 

given,  does  not  contradict  the  incomprehensible  nor  the  inex- 
pn  sxtbUj  for  we  should  always  remember  that  God  may  have 
revealed  things  that  neither  our  intelligence  can  adequately 
comprehend,  nor  our  language  express.  It  is  quite  sufficient 
for  us  that  He  contains  in  himself  the  height  and  depth  and 
length  and  breadth  of  spiritual  goods,  of  which  Paul  makes 
mention  in  his  epistle,  to  the  Ephesians  ;  the  full  knowledge 
whereof  must  be  reserved  for  the  last  day,  when  we  shall 
see  him  face  to  face.  I  should  lie,  then,  if  I  dared  to  pro- 
fess that  I  fully  possessed  the  measure  of  that  kuowledge.  And 
what  means  that  great  mystery  of  Paul's,  except  to  raise  us, 
overwhelmed  by  the  grandeur  of  the  thing,  to  admiration? 
"Wherefore  there  is  no  reason  why  we  should  shrink  from  ex- 
pressions, the  use  of  which  the  simple  nature  of  the  thing  in 
question  requires.  If  it  is  your  intention  to  repudiate  the 
miracles  which  men  of  doubtful  character  trump  up,  I  con- 
sent; but  to  recognize  no  mystery  is  too  wide  a  dissent  from 
that  hidden  virtue  of  the  Spirit  which  we  have  so  often  cele- 
brated. 

To  the  word  really,  having  read  my  correction,  you  will  no 
longer,  I  trust,  xdemur.  Because  silence  would  have  been  taken 
for  a  cloak,  in  my  judgment  I  was  not  at  liberty  to  omit  it 
entirely.  But  in  denying  too  obstinately  what  no  reason  for- 
bids us  to  grant,  we  should  have  fallen  into  the  fault  of  cap- 
tiousness,  a  fault  we  so  justly  object  to  in  our  adversaries. 
And  when  in  certain  things  ye  are  more  timid  than  is  proper, 
I  wonder  how  it  has  never  occurred  to  your  minds  what 
offences  good  and  learned  men  often  conceive  from  a  frivolous 
opposition.  For  conversations  which  I  have  had  with  several 
persons,  have  wrung  from  me  my  consent  not  to  contend 
about  that  little  word.  In  the  mean  time  I  have  been  expressly 
on  my  guard,  that  neither  ambiguity  should  furnish  any 
grounds  for  cavilling,  nor  that  any  one  should  pretend  that 
up  to  this  moment  we  have  been  contending  to  no  purpose, 
or  about  nothing.  In  fine,  I  trust,  that  the  passage  has  been 
restored  in  full  accordance  with  your  views. 

It  now  remains,  estimable  brethren,  that  in  your  equity  you 
should  take  in  good  part  this  middle  course,  though  it-deviates 


9-i  LORD   JOHN    GREY.  [1554. 

a  little  from  what  you  proposed.  Assuredly  do  overweening 
presumption  on  my  own  judgment  has  prevented  me  from  fol- 
lowing without  one  exception  your  advice.  And  as  I  was 
confident  that,  on  your  part,  you  would  allow  me  to  decide,  as 
if  I  were  one  of  yourselves,  according  to  my  abilities,  what 
should  be  for  the  good  of  the  Church,  relying  on  this  permis- 
sion, I  have  not  hesitated  to  write  what  you  see.  But  if  the 
result  should  disappoint  my  expectations,  it  will  be  better 
to  suppress  this  work  than  that  I  should  trouble  you  any 
further. 

Farewell,  estimable  brethren,  may  the  Lord  continue  to 
govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  and  bless  your  labours.  My  col- 
leagues respectfully  salute  you. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich.     Gest.  vi.  109,  p.  624.] 


CCCLXXL— To  Lord  John  Grey.1 

Proofs  of  sympathy  and  affection  for  the  family  of  that  nobleman  so  painfully  tried 
— recommendation  of  Emanuel  Tremelli  of  Ferrara. 

Geneva,  12th  November  1554. 

Though  the  calamity  that  has  befallen  your  house,  and 
which  good  men  of  all  countries  have  deplored,  cannot  but 
have  inflicted  a  very  deep  wound  on  you,  and  even  now  must 
afflict  you  with  the  bitterest  sorrow;  yet  under  this  heavy  load 
of  trials,  I  am  confident,  that  as  becomes  a  christian,  you  have 
stood  and  still  stand  firm  and  unswerving.  For  though  we 
see  pious  minds,  in  consequence  of  the  weakness  of  the  flesh, 
sometimes  grievously  shaken  by  much  lighter  blows,  never, 
however,  is  the  faith  which  leans  upon  Christ  utterly  over- 
thrown. And  thus  tossed  by  that  violent  tempest,  with  your 
anchor  fixed  in  heaven,  you  have  courageously  encountered 

1  Lord  John  Grey,  brother  of  the  Duke  of  Suffolk,  and  uncle  of  the  unfortunate 
Lady  Jane  Grey,  saw  his  family  cut  off  by  the  cruel  severities  which  signalized  the 
accession  of  queen  Mary.  Imprisoned  himself  in  the  tower,  during  Wyatt's  rebellion 
r6th  February  1554,)  and  condemned  for  high  treason,  he  obtained  his  pardon,  nnd 
was  restored  to  liberty  a  short  time  after.     See  Stri/^e,  Mem.  torn.  iii.  pp.  1,  136,  145. 


1554.]  LORD  JOHN"  GREY.  95 

and  perseveringly  weathered  those  buffetings  of  the  billows, 
which  otherwise  might  have  a  hundred  times  overwhelmed 
you.  There  remains  something  yet  greater  to  be  done;  viz., 
that  you  pursue  the  warfare  of  the  cross  even  to  the  end.  For 
the  Lord  has  not  tried  you  only  for  a  short  time  with  such 
cruel  conflicts,  merely  that  you  should  put  forth  an  example 
of  lofty  courage,  but  also,  that  after  this  overthrow  in  which 
the  grandeur  and  lustre  of  your  family  have  fallen  into  decay, 
you  should  with  placid  and  equable  moderation  of  mind,  con- 
tinue to  pursue  what  yet  remains  of  the  course  of  your  call- 
ing. Moreover  it  has  pleased  him  to  accustom  you  also  to 
that  rule  which  Paul  by  his  own  example  prescribes  to  us, 
viz.,  that  you  should  learn  to  endure  not  less  a  humble  than 
an  elevated  station.  But  inasmuch  as  this  virtue  is  rarer  and 
much  more  difficult  to  practise,  so  if  you  have  made  progress 
in  the  acquisition  of  it,  that  loss  you  have  sustained  in  the 
shipwreck  of  your  fortune,  will  be  in  no  small  degree  com- 
pensated. And  though  I  congratulate  the  illustrious  duke 
your  brother,  and  your  niece,  that  singular  lady  whose  ex- 
ample deserves  to  be  held  in  everlasting  remembrance,  to 
whom  it  was  granted  in  death  itself,  to  commit  their  victo- 
rious souls  into  the  hands  and  faithful  keeping  of  God  ;  never- 
theless to  me,  amid  so  many  distressing  tidings,  it  was  matter 
of  no  ordinary  consolation  to  learn  that,  snatched  from  the 
jaws  of  death,  you  were  still  preserved  to  us.  The  orief 
which  the  false  rumour,  spread  about  of  your  death,  had  caused 
me,  was  but  recently  alleviated  by  the  report  of  Emmanuel 
Tremelli,1  and  his  son-in-law  Anthony,2  who,  after  extolling 
your  liberality  and  numerous  kind  offices  to  themselves, 
mentioned  that  in  the  disasters  of  your  illustrious  family,  they 
also  had  had  no  small  reason  to  deplore  their  own  private 
misfortunes.  Among  other  things  they  complained  that  their 
little  family  property  had  been  taken  from  them  in  the  first 


1  Emmanuel  Tremelli,  a  learned  Hebraist,  of  Ferrara,  who  had  retired  successively 
to  England  and  to  Strasbourg. 

8  Anthony  Rodolphus  Chevalier,  professor  of  Hebrew  of  the  faculty  of  Strasbourg, 
and  afterwards  at  Cambridge,  where  he  replaced  his  father-in-law,  Tremelli,  by  the 
recommendation  of  Archbishop  Parker. 


96  BULLINGER.  [1554. 

outbreak  of  the  storm.  This  was  their  only  resource  against 
the  poverty  they  had  to  struggle  with  in  their  exile.  Now 
that  you  are  restored,  they  implore  your  humanity  which  they 
have  experienced  in  so  many  ways,  if  they  may  venture  to 
hope,  or  circumstances  permit  them,  to  obtain  some  relief  of 
which  they  stand  in  great  need.  And  though  without  any 
entreaties  of  mine,  their  own  reputation  for  piety  and  learn- 
ing is  a  sufficient  recommendation,  yet  relying  on  your 
friendly  disposition  towards  me,  I  have  thought  it  my  duty 
to  write  a  few  words  in  their  behalf,  and  I  have  no  doubt  but 
you  will  excuse  my  boldness. 

Farewell,  most  distinguished  man,  and  most  illustrious  and 
by  me  respected  seigneur.  May  God  our  Father,  and  the 
Father  of  Jesus  Christ,  surround  you  with  his  protection, 
govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  support  you  by  his  strength,  and 
enrich  you  with  every  kind  of  heavenly  blessings. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  Minute. — Library  of  Geneva.     Yol.  107  a.] 


CCCLXXIL— To  BULLINGER. 

New  explanations  on  the  subject  of  the  Consensus. 

Geneva,  13th  November  1554. 

I  have  read,  most  worthy  and  estimable  brother,  your  ob- 
servations on  my  little  work,1  in  which  you  point  out  the 
things  which  have  met,  not  in  every  part  of  it,  with  your 
approbation,  together  with  the  reasons  which  you  have  ad- 
duced for  it.  But  since  you  have  taken  the  trouble  to  note 
not  only  the  leaves  and  pages,  but  also  the  lines  of  it,  I  sup- 
pose it  must  have  been  from  an  oversight  that  the  copy  was 
not  sent  back  to  me.  I  have  nevertheless  compared  each  of 
your  remarks  with  the  passages  to  which  they  refer,  and 
have  endeavoured,  not  only  to  defer  to  your  advice,  but  com- 
ply with  your  wishes.  If  you  are  not  yet  entirely  satisfied, 
it  will  cost  me  nothing  to  have  my  labour  entirely  set  aside. 

1  See  the  Letter  to  the  Pastors  of  Zurich,  p.  89. 


97 
1554.]  BILLINGER. 

But  any  better  method  you  may  have  hit  upon,  I  will  most 
readily  adopt.     For  the  rest,  in  a  common  action  I  was  un_ 
willing  not  to  contribute  my  share,  and  it  seems  to  me  that  1 
have  performed  my  part  so  as  to  shew  that  I  thought  it  my 
duty  to  attempt  nothing  beyond  what  belongs  to  my  private 
capacity.     For,  I  repeat,  if  any  better  method  can  be  devised 
I  will  readily  fall  in  with  it.     Nevertheless,  if  this  form,  as  it 
i.  now  corrected  by  your  suggestions,  shall  give  satisfa c tion 
there  should  be  no  delay  in  having  it  published.     For   now 
and  then,  reports  are  brought  to  me  from  all  quarters  that  the 
worshippers  of  the  bread  set  no  bounds  to  their  fury,  and  from 
a  letter  of  Philip's,  which  I  lately  received,  you  will  learn 
how  formidable   their    madness  is  to  well-meaning,  but  not 
very  stout-hearted  men.     Those,  however,  who  are  so  very 
timid,  if  we  prick  them  on,  will  perhaps,  being  compelled 
by  necessity,  pluck  up  a  little  courage.     Certainly  we  should 
immediately  set  about  pressing  Philip.     In  the  mean  time, 
I  have  to  beg  to  be  excused  for  my  own  tardiness,  the  whole 
blame  of  which,  however,  falls  on  my  temporary  amanuensis. 
But  he  is  a  very  worthy  man,  lately  secretary  to  the  king, 
who  after  having  offered  me  his  services,  was  too  much  taken 
up  with  a  voung  bride  who  had  come  from  France,  to  give 
his  undivided  attention  to  my  business.     And  yet,  my  copy, 
the  only  one  I  had  preserved,  blotted  all  over  too  with  cor- 
rections, he  never  suffered  me  to  get  out  of  his  hands ;  but 
-as  the  saying   is-soon  enough,  if  well   enough.     Of  the 
men  of  Basle  I  have  always  had  the  same  apprehensions  as 
vou      Perhaps  some  extracts,  bearing  on  the  present  cause, 
from  Philip's  letter,  will  put  a  spark  of  courage  into  that  man 
whose  general  character  you  know  is  so  soft  and  caressing. 
I  be-  you,  however,  to  return   me  immediately  the  original. 
I   ha°ve   no  doubt  but  the  Bernese  will  speedily  give  their 
assent     They  must  be  pressed,  however,  lest  their  fears  get 
the  better  of  them.     I  know  not  with  what  moderation  Belius 
conducts  himself.     No  doubt  he  will  at  last  spit  out  the  venom 
which  he  has  been  hitherto  collecting,  as  he  did  among  us.     1 
have   always    pretty   shrewdly   guessed   at  his    extravagant 
character,  but  he  has  nevertheless  fairly  surpassed  the  idea  I 


98  PETER   MARTYR.  [1554. 

had  of  him.  But,  as  such  pests  cannot  be  tamed  by  any  human 
applications,  may  the  Lord  quell  them  with  his  own  strength. 
Farewell,  my  very  excellent  sir,  and  ever  to  be  respected 
brother.  May  the  Lord  shield  you  with  his  protection,  and 
govern  you  by  his  Spirit.  Salute  your  sons-in-law,  and 
daughters  in  my  name. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich.     Gest.  vi.  105,  p.  626.] 


CCCLXXIIL— To  Peter  Martyr.1 

He  sends  him  a  copy  of  the  defence  of  the  Consensus. 

Geneva,  27th  November  1554. 

The  defence  of  our  consensus  which  I  had  lately  sent  to  you 
has  satisfied  our  brethren,  but  not  without  some  exceptions. 
As  they  had  marked  passages  in  which  they  wished  some 
changes  to  be  made,  I  studied  not  only  to  defer  to  their  advice, 
but  to  comply  with  their  wishes.  Now  I  again  send  you  a 
copy  corrected  at  their  request.  And  though  I  have  not 
altogether  followed  what  they  dictated  to  me,  I  trust  never- 
theless that  they  have  been  appeased.  Further  details  you 
will  learn  from  M.  Sturm,  for  my  time  does  not  permit  me 
just  now  to  write  to  you  at  greater  length.  Farewell,  most 
accomplished  sir,  and  distinguished  servant  of  Christ.  May 
the  Lord  always  protect  and  govern  you. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich.     Gest.  vi.  117,  p.  225.] 

1  To  the  distinguished  Theologian,  Peter  Martyr,  faithful  Doctor  of  the  Church  of 
Strasbourg. 


1554.]  THE  KING  OF  POLAND.  99 


CCCLXXIV.— To  the  King  of  Poland.1 

The  Reform  of  the  Church  the  first  duty  of  the  sovereign — refutation  of  the  double 
doctrine  of  the  supremacy  of  the  Roman  Pontiffs  and  of  Episcopal  succession — 
necessity  of  putting  an  end  to  abuses  by  bringing  back  the  church  to  purity  of 
doctrine,  and  the  priesthood  to  its  legitimate  functions. 

Geneva,  bth  December  1554. 

Sire, — Although  I  had  publicly  dedicated,  five  years  ago, 
some  part  of  my  writings  to  your  majesty,  with  the  intention 
of  accelerating  the  growth  of  those  seeds  of  piety  which  even 
then,  I  had  heard,  were  divinely  implanted  in  your  mind,  so 
humble  an  individual  as  myself  should  nevertheless  hesitate 
to  present  a  private  letter  to  so  illustrious  a  king,  did  not  our 
venerable  brother,  to  whom  I  am  indebted  for  this  boldness, 
encourage  me  by  his  advice  and  exhortation.  His  devoted 
loyalty  moreover  to  your  person,  as  it  is  well  known  to  me, 
makes  me  feel  assured  that  he  is  perfectly  acquainted  with 
your  majesty's  sentiments.  Since  then  he  has  pledged  him- 
self that  this  duty  of  mine  will  not  be  disagreeable  to  your 
majesty,  I  no  longer  fear  to  be  taxed  with  the  charge  of  offi- 
ciousuess.  But  as  it  would  be  unseemly  that  from  a  minister 
of  the  gospel  a  letter  of  mere  compliment  should  be  addressed 
to  so  great  a  sovereign,  I  have  thought  proper,  on  the  present 
occasion,  to  handle  the  same  subject  which  has  been  already 

1  Poland,  at  this  period,  seemed  to  be  entering  upon  the  path  of  the  Reformation. 
King  Sigismund  Augustus,  the  last  of  the  Jagellons,  a  tolerant  and  enlightened  prince, 
openly  manifested  his  inclination  for  the  Evangelical  doctrines.  He  had  accepted  in 
1549,  the  dedication  of  Calvin's  commentary  on  the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews,  took  plea- 
sure in  reading  the  Institution  Chretienne,  and  the  letters  which  were  addressed  to  him 
by  the  Reformer  of  Geneva.  He  was  surrounded  by  personages  favourab'e  to  a  re- 
form in  the  church,  and  his  reforming  tendencies  were  cheeked  only  by  scruples  arising 
out  of  the  unhappy  divisions  which  disturbed  the  Protestant  Churches  of  Germany, 
and  the  remains  of  an  attachment  which  he  still  felt  for  the  dogma  of  the  Unity  of 
the  Church.  Informed  of  the  dispositions  of  the  monarch,  and  of  the  approaching 
convocation  of  a  national  synod  which  was  to  undertake  the  reform  of  the  Polish 
Church,  in  taking  for  the  basis  of  its  labours  the  holy  scriptures.  Calvin  addressed  to 
Sigismund  Augustus  a  letter  containing  at  the  same  time  counsels  and  wishes  for  the 
bappy  issue  of  the  work  to  be  accomplished.  Krasinski,  Hist.  Relig.  des  Peuples 
Slaves,  pp.  129,  130. 


100  THE   KING    OF   POLAND.  [1554. 

touched  upon  in  my  preface  to  the  epistle  to  the  Hebrews, 
because  I  know  of  none  better,  more  worthy  of  the  kingly 
person,  or  more  suitable  to  the  present  times.  For  I  am  per- 
suaded that,  for  the  reverence  you  bear  to  the  Son  of  God,  our 
common  Master,  you  will  deem  it  neither  burdensome  nor 
offensive  to  be  admonished  by  his  servant.  And  assuredly 
this  modesty  becomes  all  the  disciples  of  Christ,  from  the 
highest  to  the  lowest,  from  kings  themselves  to  the  meanest 
subject,  to  submit  willingly,  and  with  gentle  tractableness  of 
mind,  to  his  heavenly  doctrine.  For  in  this  manner  earthly 
kings,  according  to  the  precept  of  David,  kiss  the  Prince  and 
chief  of  all  kingdoms,  while  they  listen  to  him  speaking  by 
the  mouth  of  those  whom  he  has  appointed  to  teach.  But  in 
my  turn,  as  I  conceive  it  to  be  my  duty,  I  will  strive  not  to 
offend  you  by  my  prolixity.  And  first  of  all,  I  will  not  touch 
upon  the  clouds  of  ignorance  which  everywhere  thicken 
around  us,  the  foul  mass  of  errors  in  which  nearly  the  whole 
world  is  immersed,  the  abuses  and  corruptions  by  which  reli- 
gion has  been  contaminated,  lest  T  should  occupy  your  ma- 
jesty with  the  superfluous  discussion  of  a  matter  but  too  well 
known.  For  I  am  not  to  discourse  on  the  present  occasion 
with  an  unlettered  person,  or  one  unacquainted  with  genuine 
piety,  but  with  a  king  who  has  been  favoured  with  the  know- 
ledge of  a  purer  doctrine,  so  as  not  only  to  be  himself  exempt 
from  the  gross  superstitions  of  the  common  people,  but  who 
judges  rightly,  at  the  same  time,  how  fatal  that  labyrinth  is, 
in  which  the  greater  part  of  the  human  race  is  held  fast  en- 
tangled. For  when  Christ  wishes  even  his  humblest  disciples 
to  be  like  lamps  suspended  in  a  lofty  place,  that  send  out  their 
light  to  a  distance,  what  does  he  require  of  a  king,  whom  he 
has  placed  at  the  summit  of  human  dignity,  that  he  might 
shine  before  all  others  ?  For  the  more  honourable  the  gran- 
deur of  the  throne  you  occupy,  the  greater  is  the  difficulty 
to  possess  a  like  greatness  of  mind,  that  the  virtue  of  the  man 
may  lend  lustre  to  the  rank,  and  produce  more  anxious  reflec- 
tions about  the  account  that  is  to  be  rendered  to  God.  But 
if  men  of  humble  condition  have  to  fear  lest  this  vivifying 
seed  choked  by  their  torpor,  should  degenerate  or  entirely 


1554.]  THE  KING  OF  POLAND.  101 

perish,  what  should  be  the  activity  of  your  majesty,  to  whom 
it  is  not  enough  to  produce  abundant  fruits  of  yourself,  unless 
you  study  to  propagate  the  same  seed  to  thousands  of  men  ? 
Remember,  then,  most  excellent  king,  a  light  has  been  di- 
vinely kindled  up  for  the  whole  of  Poland,  which  cannot  be 
kept  hidden  any  longer,  without  your  incurring  serious  blame. 
Let  this  therefore  be  your  first  care,  your  principal  study,  to 
assemble  the  powers  subject  to  you,  called  from  the  shameful 
dispersion  of  Popery  to  the  obedience  of  Christ.  Let  that 
heroic  virtue  at  length  break  forth  which  has  lain  too  long 
benumbed  in  you,  and  on  so  noble  a  subject  give  memorable 
proofs  of  itself.  Nor  am  I  ignorant  either  of  the  immense 
grandeur  of  the  undertaking,  or  of  what  manifold  and  great 
difficulties  threaten  it,  which  Satan  will  as  usual  go  on  aug- 
menting. But  when  the  battle  that  is  to  be  fought  here  is  for 
the  glory  of  God  in  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  for  the  purity  of 
religious  worship,  for  the  salvation  of  the  human  race,  such  is 
the  excellence  of  the  cause,  that  it  should  absorb  all  vexations 
in  its  glory  and  easily  surmount  all  obstacles.  Nay,  the  ene- 
mies of  the  truth  themselves  prescribe,  by  their  example,  the 
line  of  conduct  which  is  to  be  followed.  For  the  more  keenly 
they  contend  to  crush  that  cause,  so  much  the  more  shameful 
it  were  not  to  equal  at  least  in  prudent  activity  their  insane 
ardour.  Let  them  rush  on  then  with  all  the  impetuousness 
in  their  power,  let  them  bring  up  all  their  machines  of  attack, 
let  them  hurl  the  fiery  and  empoisoned  darts  with  which  Sa- 
tan supplies  them,  let  them  assault  us  in  fine  either  by  secret 
cunning  or  by  open  war.  All  these  things,  so  far  from  having 
any  power  to  shake  a  stout  heart  fortified  by  the  virtue  of  the 
Spirit  of  God,  ought,  on  the  contrary,  to  be  but  so  many  in- 
centives to  raise  in  us  a  holy  emulation  in  favour  of  a  pursuit 
and  object  of  desire  opposed  to  theirs.  Add  to  this  that  when 
God  asserts  that  it  is  his  own  work  to  restore  his  ruined 
church  of  which  he  is  the  only  founder,  we  may  conclude 
with  certainty,  that  he  will  by  no  means  desert  us  in  the  mo- 
ment of  need. 

But  because  you  are  engaged  in  a  contest  not  only  with  do- 
mestic foes,  but  also  with  those  who  boast  that  they  are  the 


102  THE    KING    OF    POLAND.  [1554. 

high  priests  of  religion,  the  keepers  of  holy  things,  the  fathers 
and   guardians    of   the   church,    your   majesty  will  perhaps 
hesitate,  embarrassed  by  the  fear  of  undertaking  any  thing 
which  may  be  contrary  to  the  nature  of  your  duty.     And  no 
doubt  the  sons  of  God,  in  all  their  actions,  should  keep  con- 
stantly in  mind  and  firmly  resolve,  as  their  rule  of  conduct, 
not  to  overleap  the  bounds  of  their  vocation.     Therefore,  lest 
any  unnecessary  apprehension  should  impede  or  delay  your 
action,  I  will  discuss,  in  a  few  words,  up  to  what  point  this 
apprehension  is  legitimate.     As  the  Papists  are  always  obtrud- 
ing their  hierarchy  on  us,  so  I  doubt  not  they  are  fortifying 
themselves  with  the  same  buckler  among  you.     For  as  they 
see  that  we  have  greatly  the  advantage  over  them  in  all  the 
different  articles  of  doctrine,  when  defeated  they  have  recourse 
to  this  miserable  shift — that  though  the  state  of  the  church  is 
exceedingly  corrupt,  yet  it  is  not  lawful  for  laymen  to  meddle 
with  its  defects.     And  not  contenting  themselves  with  this 
as  a  subterfuge,  on  the  strength  of  it  they  raise  their  crests ; 
because  the  supremacy  in  the  church  was  given  to  Peter,  and 
the  whole  Papal  priesthood  descends  even  to  the  present  times 
in   uninterrupted  succession  from  the  Apostles  themselves, 
they  conclude  that  therefore  the  right  and  authority  of  spirit- 
ual government  belongs  to  them  exclusively.     Wherefore  it 
will  be  worth  while,  briefly,  to  examine  these  two  preten- 
sions.    Not  however  that  I  mean  in  this  place  to  treat  pro- 
fessedly of  the  supremacy  of  the  Roman  see,  because  it  seems 
to  me  that  I  have  disposed  of  that  subject  in  such  a  manner, 
that  the  Pope  can  no  longer  pretend,  as  he  was  wont  to  do, 
that  he  is  the  head  of  the  whole  church.     For  when  Paul, 
wishing  to  exhort  us  to  unity,  (Eph.  iv.  5,)  teaches,  that  there 
is  one  God,  one  faith,  one  spirit,  one  Lord,  and  one  body  of 
the  church,  he  should  least  of  all  have  omitted  what  was  of 
the  greatest  weight  for  proving  their  point:  viz.,  that  there  is 
one  sovereign  pontiff  whose  authority  keeps  the  whole  church 
in  a  closely  united  order.     It  would  then  have  been  an   un- 
seemly forgetfulness,  not  to  remind  the  faithful,  that  they  are 
to  remain  under  one  head  set  over  them  by  God,  if  this  had 
been  true  that  a  supremacy  over  all  the  churches  had  been 


1554]  THE  KING  OF  POLAND.  103 

bestowed  on  one  man.  But  in  another  place,  (Gal.  ii.  7,)  the 
same  apostle  sufficiently  explains  himself  when  he  asserts 
that  he  himself  had  the  same  apostleship  among  the  Gentiles, 
which  had  been  given  to  Peter  among  the  Jews.  Here  cer- 
tainly not  only  an  equality  is  established  between  two,  but 
the  division  is  such,  that,  properly  speaking,  the  apostleship 
of  Peter  has  nothing  at  all  to  do  with  us.  Finally  in  that 
passage  which  I  just  now  quoted,  defining  the  manner  which 
had  been  sanctioned  by  Christ  for  the  government  of  the 
church,  he  does  not  say  that  one  vicar  had  been  created  by 
our  Lord  to  supply  his  absence  from  the  earth,  but  that  he 
had  appointed  apostles,  pastors,  and  teachers,  (Eph.  iv.  11,) 
who  should  labour  in  common  according  to  the  measure  of 
grace  granted  to  each.  Certainly  if  God  had  wished  one  per- 
son to  have  rule  over  all,  he  would  not  have  simply  granted 
him  a  portion,  but  would  have  bestowed  on  him  the  plenitude 
of  the  Spirit.  But  I  do  not  refute  at  the  present  moment  the 
silly  sophism,  that  the  keys  have  been  given  to  Peter,  because 
I  have  elsewhere  more  than  sufficiently  shewn,  that  this  ex- 
pression is  of  no  more  advantage  to  the  Pope  than  if  it  had 
been  said  of  any  other  apostle.  For  what  consanguinity  or 
affinity  with  Peter  can  he  boast  of  to  give  himself  out  as  his 
heir?  And  as  to  his  pretence  that  the  supremacy  was  ac- 
corded to  the  dignity  of  the  place,  it  is  still  more  silly.  For 
should  the  seat  of  the  supremacy  not  rather  have  been  at 
Jerusalem  where  beyond  all  controversy  the  Son  of  God,  as 
high  priest,  discharged  his  sacerdotal  functions?  But  of 
these  things,  as  I  have  said,  it  is  better  to  seek  a  solution  in 
other  writings  in  which  they  are  more  fully  discussed,  as  well 
as  the  proposition  that  nothing  was  less  in  Christ's  views 
than  to  raise  one  apostle  to  a  supremacy  over  the  others. 
For  the  dignity  belonging  to  the  high  priest  which  prevailed 
under  the  law,  was  abrogated  for  no  other  reason  but  that  now 
the  Son  of  God  should  alone  stand  out  as  head,  all  others  be- 
ing brought  into  the  rank  of  members.  And  with  sacrilegious 
audacity  the  Papists  wrest  this  saying  of  the  apostle,  as  a 
proof  in  favour  of  the  tyranny  of  their  idol :  "  For  the  priest- 
hood being  changed,  there  is  made  of  necessity  a  change  also 


104:  THE    KING   OF    POLAND.  [1554. 

of  the  law."  (Heb.  vii.  12.)  For  in  that  passage  the  apostle 
does  not  assert  that  the  dignity  of  high  priest  was  trans- 
ferred from  a  man  to  any  other  man,  but  he  contends  that  it 
resides  in  the  Son  of  God  alone,  in  such  a  manner  that  we  are 
to  seek  for  no  successor  to  him  ;  "  because  he  has  been  or- 
dained a  priest  for  ever  according  to  the  order  of  Melchise- 
dec."  (Heb.  vii.  15-17.)  And  indeed  the  single  will  of  God 
ought  amply  to  suffice  us,  as  it  is  the  true  rule  and  inviolable 
law  of  legitimate  government.  But  we  may  add  also,  that  it 
is  neither  possible  nor  expedient,  that  there  should  be  but  one 
head  of  the  whole  church  spread  all  over  the  earth,  because 
this  headship  would  far  surpass  the  measure  of  human  infirm- 
ity, and  could  not  be  made  to  adapt  itself  to  general  use.  In 
fine,  ambition  and  pride  alone,  have  invented  this  supremacy 
which  the  Romanists  oppose  to  us.  The  ancient  church 
indeed  instituted  patriarchates,  and  to  different  provinces 
assigned  certain  primacies,  that  by  this  bond  of  concord,  the 
bishops  might  remain  more  closely  united  among  themselves. 
Exactly  as  if,  at  the  present  day,  one  archbishop  should  have 
a  certain  pre-eminence  in  the  illustrious  kingdom  of  Poland, 
not  to  lord  it  over  the  others,  nor  arrogate  to  himself  a  right 
of  which  they  were  forcibly  deprived,  but  for  the  sake  of 
order  to  occupy  the  first  place  in  synods,  and  cherish  a  holy 
unity  between  his  colleagues  and  brethren.  Then  there  might 
be  either  provincial  or  urban  bishops,  whose  functions  should 
be  particularly  directed  to  the  preservation  of  order.  As 
nature  dictates,  one  of  these  should  be  chosen  from  each 
college  to  whom  this  care  should  be  specially  confided.  But 
it  is  one  thing  to  hold  a  moderate  dignity  such  as  is  not  im- 
compatible  with  the  abilities  of  a  man,  and  another  to  com- 
prise the  whole  world  under  one  overgrown  government. 
What  the  Romanists  keep  prating  about  one  single  head  is 
then  altogether  nugatory,  because  neither  the  sacred  com- 
mandment of  God,  nor  the  established  usage  of  the  church 
sanctions  a  second  head  to  be  joined  with  Christ,  whom 
alone  the  heavenly  Father  has  set  over  all. 

Now  though  the  chief  rank  might  rightly  seem  due  to  the 
Roman  Pontiff,  he  has  himself  foreclosed  his  claim  to  it,  since 


1554.]  THE    KING   OF    POLAND.  105 

he  has  fallen  away  from  the  apostolic  faith,  and  deserted  the 
station  divinely  entrusted  to  him.  For  to  be  the  first  among 
bishops,  it  behoves  him  to  be  himself  a  bishop.  Now  when 
it  is  evident  that  the  person  is  unworthy  of  the  title  of  bishop, 
who  does  not  discharge  the  office  of  teaching,  what  must  we 
think  of  him,  who,  having  resigned  the  task  of  teaching,  not 
only  exults  in  vain  pomps,  but  endeavours  not  less  cruelly 
than  impiously  to  extinguish  the  doctrine  of  Christ?  If  the 
Pope  wishes  to  borrow  anything  of  Paul,  let  him  be  a  minister 
of  Christ,  and  a  dispenser  of  the  mysteries  of  God.  If  he 
wishes  to  deck  himself  with  the  honours  of  Peter,  let  him  be 
the  faithful  shepherd  of  a  flock,  and  a  witness  of  the  sufferings 
of  Christ.  But  since  he  is  avowedly  alien  from  these  things, 
and  does  not  even  pretend  that  he  is  one  of  the  ministers  of 
God,  let  him  voluntarily  abdicate  his  supremacy,  if  indeed  from 
other  motives  he  had  ever  been  invested  with  any.  Besides 
how  shall  Rome  be  the  mother  of  Churches,  who  no  more  de- 
serves to  be  esteemed  a  church  than  Babylon?  The  soul  of  a 
church  is  purity  of  doctrine.  Since  it  is  surer  than  certainty 
itself,  that  this  purity  has  been  altogether  banished  from 
Pome,  it  follows  that  in  that  city  there  remains  nothing  but  a 
dead  body.  Finally  nothing  is  more  absurd  than  that  he 
should  be  venerated  in  the  flock  of  Christ  as  the  high  priest 
of  religion  who  is  the  manifest  enemy  of  true  and  genuine 
Christianity.  Moreover  your  majesty  is  greatly  deceived  if, 
for  settling  duly  the  state  of  the  Polish  kingdom,  you  wait  till 
the  authority  of  that  sect  intervene,  which  takes  pleasure  in 
vast  and  horrible  confusion.  The  Pope  with  his  band  can 
reign  at  Rome,  only  by  oppressing  the  church,  polluting  the 
worship  of  God,  rending  all  order,  nay  annihilating  all  piety. 
Can  it  be  hoped  then  that  he,  who  lives  by  the  destruction  of 
the  church  will  either  himself  apply,  or  consent  that  others 
should  apply  a  remedy  to  heal  its  evils  ?  Nor  in  truth,  if  a 
pious  and  Christian  prince  has  at  heart  to  restore  to  a  better 
state  the  present  confusion,  ought  the  slothfulness  of  pastors, 
if  they  loiter  in  their  duty,  to  cause  the  delay  of  a  single  mo- 
ment; much  less  should  the  insolent  pride  of  those  who  are 
falsely  called  pastors,  with  any  show  of  justice,  prevent  his 
14 


106  THE   KING   OF   POLAND.  [1554:. 

holy  attempts.  It  is  then  an  empty  bugbear  that,  in  the 
reformation  of  the  church,  nothing  is  to  be  set  on  foot,  or  at- 
tempted, but  at  the  nod  of  the  Pope.  On  the  contrary  we 
cannot  but  perceive  that  the  same  thing  is  being  accomplished 
in  our  days,  which  the  apostles  witnessed  on  the  first  appear- 
ance of  the  gospel — Christ  is  rejected  by  the  builders — that  is, 
those  who  pride  themselves  on  the  title  of  prelates;  but  as  he 
has  been  appointed  for  the  chief  corner  stone,  it  would  be  the 
height  of  iniquity  that  he  should  submit  to  their  impious  im- 
pediments. There  remains  now  another  question,  namely, 
that  there  should  be  a  legitimate  succession  of  persons  to  give 
a  due  sanction  to  the  ordination  of  pastors.  Because  I  per- 
ceive it  to  be  of  high  importance,  that  nothing  should  be  done 
irregularly  in  the  church,  lest  thus  a  loose  should  be  given  to 
the  capricious  humour  of  each;  and  because  it  has  been  dis- 
tinctly enjoined  us  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  speaking  through  the 
mouth  of  St.  Paul,  that  all  things  should  be  done  decently, 
and  in  order,  I  am  therefore  of  opinion  that  we  should  rev- 
erently study  to  have  a  regularly  appointed  ministry.  Thus 
then  right  reason  as  well  as  the  command  of  God  shews  that 
no  one  should  rashly  intrude  into,  nor  any  private  person 
usurp  the  office  of  a  pastor,  but  that  the  man  selected  by  the 
judgment  of  the  pastors,  and  presented  to  the  flock  with  their 
own  consent,  should  be  approved  of.  Add  to  these  conditions 
the  solemn  imposition  of  hands,  which  is  called  ordination. 
Respecting  this  one  point  alone  the  Papists,  in  wrangling  so 
warmly  with  us,  clearly  demonstrate  that  they  neglect  the 
chief  thing  of  all,  which  is  the  right  of  election.  For  with 
them  there  is  so  much  indifference  in  testing  the  qualifications 
of  the  candidate  that  ordination  is  a  mere  show;  add  that  it  is 
at  the  same  time  a  mockery  of  God — so  much  stress  do  they 
lay  on  the  pomp  of  the  ceremony — and  not  content  with  the 
ancient  rite  of  the  imposition  of  hands,  they  consecrate  their 
priests  by  anointing  them;  a  usage  neither  mentioned  in  the 
Scriptures,  nor  practised  traditionally  in  the  apostolic  church; 
but  which,  as  they  have  derived  it  from  the  scum  of  Judaism, 
should  be  abolished,  together  with  the  other  corrupt  practices 
of  Popery,  wherever  a  purer  form  of  religion  shall  prevail. 


1554:.]  THE   KING   OF   POLAND.  107 

But  there  is  another  superstition  still  more  pernicious,  which 
is  that  they  ordain  their  priests  not  to  the  office  of  feeding 
and  teaching  the  flock,  but  that  with  sacrilegious  audacity  they 
may  arrogate  to  themselves,  and  usurp  the  privilege  and  office 
of  Christ,  while  they  institute  them  to  celebrate  the  sacrifice 
of  the  mass  by  which  they  feign  that  God  is  propitiated.  For 
which  reason  the  whole  Popish  priesthood  is  not  only  an  im- 
pious profanation  of  the  true  ministry,  but  an  execrable  con- 
tumely upon  Christ;  so  that  whosoever  is  a  Popish  priest  can- 
not, till  he  abjure  that  title,  be  a  servant  of  Christ.  Thus, 
though  according  to  their  pretensions  the  character  of  the 
priestly  office  is  indelible,  yet  nevertheless  it  behoves  it  to  be 
eradicated  and  obliterated  before  the  church  of  God  can  possess 
undefiled  priests.  The  Popish  priesthood  is  deservedly  held 
in  abhorrence  of  all  pious  men  for  another  mark  of  infamy. 
For  when  according  to  the  old  canons,  whosoever  demands  or- 
dination of  heretics  or  schismatics,  is  implicated  in  a  charge 
of  the  same  crime,  your  majesty  is  not  ignorant  what  has  been 
the  character  for  many  centuries  of  these  mitred  anointers.1 
Now  does  not  every  one  who  desires  to  be  admitted  into  their 
order  indirectly  consent  to  that  disorder  with  which  they  are 
chargeable  before  God  and  angels?  The  question,  however, 
is  not  yet  resolved,  because  if  it  is  not  right  that  any  persons 
whatever  should  without  distinction  aspire  to  the  pastoral 
office,  it  follows  as  a  necessary  consequence  that  those  should 
be  duly  called  to  it  and  instituted  who  wish  to  prove  them- 
selves legitimate  pastors,  and  worthy  of  such  an  honour.  And 
here  I  confess  it  were  to  be  wished,  that  an  uninterrupted  suc- 
cession lent  us  its  sanction  that  the  function  itself  were  trans- 
mitted as  it  were  from  hand  to  hand.  But  let  us  keep  in  mind 
what  I  have  already  cursorily  mentioned,  that  since  purity  of 
doctrine  is  the  soul  of  a  church,  it  is  vain  to  look  for  the 
peculiar  qualities  of  a  church  and  whatever  depends  on  the 
state  of  its  purity,  among  those  men  who  are  beyond  all  question 
the  avowed  enemies  of  the  gospel.  But  because  by  the  tyranny 
of  the  Pope,  the  continuous  line  of  ordination  has  been  broken, 
a  new  expedient  is  requisite  for  the  restoration  of  the  Church. 

'  In  the  text — homed. 


108  THE   KING   OF   POLAND.  [1554. 

Vainly  indeed  do  the  Papists  pride  themselves  on  that  chain, 
which,  as  I  have  said,  they  themselves  have  broken.  For  is 
the  Papacy  anything  but  a  revolt  from  Christ?  With  what 
front,  then,  can  apostates  boast  themselves  successors?  But 
God  himself  brings  the  remedy  in  raising  up  fitting  and  up- 
right teachers  to  build  up  the  church,  now  lying  deformed 
among  the  ruins  of  Popery.  And  this  office,  which  the  Lord 
laid  upon  us  when  he  made  use  of  our  services  in  collecting 
churches,  is  one  that  is  altogether  anomalous.  Those  then  who 
in  an  unwonted  manner,  and  so  contrary  to  the  expectations 
of  men,  appeared  as  the  defenders  of  pure  religion,  ought  not 
to  have  their  vocation  judged  of  by  the  common  rule.  They 
were  divinely  called  for  this  special  purpose,  that  churches 
being  duly  constituted,  they  might  substitute  other  pastors  in 
their  own  room.  Wherefore,  most  excellent  king,  however 
much  the  papistical  clergy  prate  about  the  divine  right  of 
the  priesthood,  let  not  their  futile  babbling  prevent  your 
majesty  from  attempting,  under  heavenly  auspices,  the  noblest 
of  all  works  and  the  most  praise-worthy  in  the  sight  of  God 
and  angels,  to  give  to  Jesus  Christ  alone  pre-eminence  in  his 
own  kingdom  together  with  the  establishment  of  the  pure  doc- 
trine of  the  gospel.  But  this  seems  to  be  the  proper  and  ad- 
vantageous manner  of  proceeding.  Because  wolves  now  oc- 
cupy the  shepherds'  place,  and  it  might  be  thought  too  violent 
a  remedy  if  pastors  appointed  by  royal  authority  alone  could 
furnish  no  other  authority  for  their  vocation,  the  method,  then, 
I  would  propose  is  that  your  majesty  should  for  the  time  be- 
ing only  institute  teachers  to  spread  abroad  everywhere  the 
seeds  of  the  gospel,  whose  charge  should  be  provisional  and 
last  only  as  long  as  things  should  remain  in  their  present  un- 
settled and  precarious  state.  For  it  is  not  possible  that  the 
public  government  of  the  church  can  be  all  at  once  changed. 
But  with  this  beginning  which  I  have  mentioned,  or  prelude, 
there  would  be  a  convenient  transition  to  the  renovation  of 
the  church.  In  fine  this  would  not  be  a  reformation  of  the 
church,  but  only  a  preliminary  step.  Things  being  once  fairly 
ripe,  by  royal  authority  and  the  suffrages  of  the  Diet,  a  more 
definite  manner  of  ordaining  pastors  might  be  established  for 


1554.]  wolf.  109 

the  future.  Moreover,  because  the  enemies  of  sound  doctrine 
will  strive  with  all  their  might  to  shut  the  door  against  pious 
and  sincere  teachers,  it  would  be  necessary  that  a  helping  hand 
should  be  held  out  to  them  by  your  majesty,  in  order  that 
without  any  restraint  they  might  turn  the  people  away  from 
the  errors  of  superstition  to  the  straight  path  of  piety.  But 
because  I  perceive  that  I  have  already  gone  beyond  the  limits 
which  I  had  prescribed  to  myself  in  the  commencement  of 
this  letter,  to  avoid  wearying  your  majesty  I  shall  here  bring 
it  to  a  conclusion.  May  the  Lord,  our  heavenly  Father, 
most  excellent  king,  by  the  hand  of  his  only  begotten  Son, 
direct  your  majesty,  guard  you  by  his  protection,  support  you 
by  his  power,  and  govern  you  by  his  Spirit. 
[Call-in's  Lat.  Corresp.    Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  85.J 


CCCLXXV.— To  Wolf.1 

Approbation  of  the  projects  of  Lismannini — struggles  at  Geneva. 

Geneva,  2%th  December  1554. 

As  your  letter  breathes  throughout  a  rare  affection  towards 
me,  which  I  explain  as  flowing  from  no  other  source  than  a 
true  sentiment  of  piety,  it  is  not  surprising  that  it  gave  me  a 
very  lively  feeling  of  satisfaction.  And  though  that  most 
excellent  man,  M.  Lismannini,  stood  in  need  of  no  recommen- 
dation to  me,  and  the  business  of  which  he  was  to  treat  with  me 
was  of  itself  a  sufficient  one,  nevertheless  for  the  sake  of  a  man 
who  is  my  friend,  and  especially  for  the  sake  of  the  common 
utility  of  the  church,  your  sedulity  was  particularly  grateful 
to  me ;  and  I  took  care  according  to  your  desire  that  he 
should  be  fully  convinced,  that  your  affection  for  him  equalled 
his  own  towards  you.  I  trust  that  the  mission  which 
he  is   undertaking  will  turn   out   as   prosperous    and   fruit- 

1  John  Wolf,  a  learned  minister  and  divine  of  the  Church  of  Zurich.  Animated 
with  a  spirit  of  moderation,  which  equalled  his  erudition,  he  deplored  the  excesses  of 
the  Sacramentarian  quarrel,  and  compared  the  intolerant  disciples  of  Luther  to  Eros- 
tratus  who,  to  acquire  a  vain  renown,  set  fire  to  the  temple  of  Zphesus.  Wo/fats 
Calvino,  1  May  1560.     Library  of  Geneva,  vol.  113. 


110  BULLIXGER.  [1554. 

ful  as  I  rejoice  that  it  is  undertaken  with  alacrity  by  him. 
He  himself  will  better  explain  to  you  orally  our  state,  than  I 
could  conveniently  do  in  a  letter.  You  truly  conjecture  that 
I  am  familiarized  with  daily  bickerings,  lest  I  should  fall  into 
v  a  state  of  torpor.  But  believe  me,  neither  from  Servetus  nor 
from  Westphal  and  his  associates,  have  I  had  so  much  torment 
as  I  receive  from  domestic  enemies,  whose  forces  are  innu- 
merable and  fury  implacable.  If  I  had  the  option,  it  would 
be  better  to  be  burnt  at  once  by  the  Papists,  than  to  be  torn 
.  to  pieces  by  neighbours  devoid  of  good  faith  and  moderation. 
No  doubt  they  envy  me  the  luxuries  of  my  position,  and  are 
unwilling  that  the  man  should  live  in  tranquillity,  whom  they 
see  almost  buried  under  an  immense  mass  of  business,  dis- 
tracted by  the  saddest  cares,  and  harassed  by  the  most  impor- 
tunate demands.  One  consolation  I  have  is,  that  from  this 
cruel  warfare  death  will  soon  procure  me  my  discharge.  I 
am  therefore  exceedingly  glad  that  all  things  are  prosperous, 
and  especially,  that  that  destructive  brand  of  discord  kindled 
among  our  neighbours  has  been  extinguished.  May  the  Lord 
accompany  you  with  his  perpetual  favour,  preserve  you  in 
safety,  and  govern  you  by  his  Spirit.  Farewell,  distinguished 
and  renowned  brother,  together  with  your  wife  and  family. — 
Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Gotha.     Vol.  404.] 


CCCLXXTL— To  Bullixger. 

Wishes  for  the  successful  accomplishment  of  Lismannini's  mission  to  Poland — print- 
ing of  the  book  against  Westphal  and  apologies  on  that  subject 

Geneva,  26th  December  1554. 

As  the  mission  to  which  that  excellent  man  M.  Lismannini1 
is  called  is  of  high  importance,  and  his  faith  and  probity  are 

1  Francis  Lismannini,  a  native  of  Corfu,  after  having  embraced  the  Reformed  doc- 
trine in  Italy,  went  into  Poland,  where  he  acquired  over  king  Sigismund  on  influence 
which  he  strove  to  turn  to  the  advantage  of  the  gospel.  Charged  by  that  prince  to 
visit  Germany  and  Switzerland,  and  to  make  enquiries  respecting  the  state  of  religion 


1554.]  BULLIXGER.  Ill 

known  to  us,  I  wrote  that  of  your  piety,  venerable  brother, 
and  your  zeal  for  the  church  of  Christ,  you  should  exhort  him 
not  to  delay  his  departure.  But  when  he  came  among  us  his 
inclinations  were  already  too  much  engaged,  to  require  any 
lengthened  discourse  of  ours  to  stimulate  them.  Neverthe- 
less, I  have  essayed  to  give  the  spur  to  the  galloping  steed,  as 
the  saying  is,  that  he  might  proceed  more  rapidly  and  with 
greater  alacrity.  But  in  the  mean  time  while  he  was  still  here, 
a  letter  from  M.  John  Laski  informed  me  that  a  man  was  on 
the  eve  of  his  departure,  by  whom  he  writes  to  the  king  and 
the  nobles.  May  the  Lord  bless  the  pious  endeavours  of  his 
servants,  so  that  they  may  not  fail  to  be  crowned  with  the 
wished  for  success.  The  refutation  of  Westphal  is  now 
printed,  and  will  speedily  make  its  appearance.  Our  friend 
Lismannini  will  shew  you  the  preface  to  it.  Because  I  saw 
that  his  great  object  was  to  gain  over  to  his  side  a  vast  num- 
ber of  persons,  and  engage  them  in  his  controversy  with  us, 
I  thought  it  right  to  anticipate  and  defeat  this  malice.  It  is 
for  that  reason  that  I  have  been  careful  to  offend  as  few  per- 
sons as  possible.  From  a  perusal  of  my  book  it  will  clearly 
appear,  how  much  pains  I  have  bestowed  in  turning  away  the 
ill  will,  and  even  in  softening  the  indignation  of  those  that 
are  not  yet  to  be  despaired  of.  I  find  now  that  I  had  handled 
the  fellow  a  little  more  roughly  than  I  imagined,  but  as  cer- 
tain of  my  brethren  declare,  that  they  do  not  think  my  treat- 
ment of  him  unduly  severe,  I  have  had  no  great  difficulty  in 
letting  them  persuade  me.  Tf  time  had  permitted,  I  could 
have  wished  you  had  read  over  the  little  book  before  it  came 
out,  for  by  your  suggestions  I  should  perhaps  have  made 
some  changes ;  but  so  great  was  the  haste,  that  I  merely  dic- 
tated what  another  read  over  and  then  hurried  it  off  to  the 
press.  I  hope,  nevertheless,  it  will  contain  nothing  that  wil' 
greatly  displease  you.  We  are  anxiously  expecting  the  result 
of  the  embassy  which  has  been  sent  to  Berne.  But  though 
twelve  days  have  elapsed  since  proceedings  were  instituted, 

in  these  countries,  he  had  formed  an  intimacy  with  Bullinger  and  Calvin,  who  founded 
on  his  return  to  Poland  sanguine  expectations  for  the  progress  of  the  Reformation  in 
that  country. 


112  MADAME   AGNES    DE    MICROW.  [1554. 

nothing  that  can  be  depended  upon  has  yet  reached  us  respect- 
ing the  progress  of  the  affair.  Farewell,  distinguished  sir, 
and  brother,  whom  I  revere  with  my  whole  heart.  Salute  in 
my  name,  M.  Pellican,  M.  Gualter,  M.  Theodore,  your  sons-in- 
law,  and  also  your  own  family.  May  the  Lord  continue  to 
protect  and  govern  you  all.  My  colleagues  all  send  you  their 
best  wishes. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

"When  I  had  finished  this  letter  the  deputies  came  back 
from  Berne,  without  having  accomplished  any  thing.  Some 
new  method  must  then  be  adopted;  I  shall  strive  to  the  best 
of  my  abilities,  that  it  shall  be  characterized  by  its  modera- 
tion, and  I  trust  I  shall  be  able  to  gain  over  our  citizens 
to  yield  to  the  very  unreasonable  demands  of  the  Bernese. 
But  as  these  continue  to  busy  themselves  in  favour  of  felons, 
I  am  afraid  they  will  at  last  divert  themselves  at  our  expense. 
Notwithstanding  I  am  resolved  to  try  all  expedients. 
[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich.     Gest.  vi,  166,  p.  21.] 


CCCLXXVII. — To  Madame  Agnes  de  Microw.1 

He  congratulates  her  on  having  sent  her  children  to  Zurich  where  they  will  receive 
a  christian  education. 

Geneva,  29th  December  1554. 

Although  your  piety,  noble  lady,  is  much  better  known  by 
certain  proofs  in  the  country  which  you  inhabit,  yet  you  have 
made  it  known  to  us  also,  by  the  pledges  you  have  confided 
to  us.  For  in  not  hesitating  to  send  your  children  far  from  you 
and  into  an  almost  unknown  country,  that  they  might  better 
imbibe  the  pure  doctrine  of  Christ,  you  have  clearly  shewn 
how  precious  a  virtuous  and  pious  education  is  in  your  eyes. 
Lively  indeed  must  that  zeal  be,  which  forces  you  to  forget 
and  divest  yourself  for  a  season,  of  that  softness  of  tender 

1  To  the  honourable  lady,  Madame  Agnes  de  Microw,  a  matron  distinguished  for 
the  most  excellent  virtues. 


1554.J  MADAME    AGNES    DE    MTCROW.  113 

affection  which  is  naturally  implanted  in  the  heart  of  mothers, 
till  you  see  your  sons  imbued  with  the  uncorrupted  faith  of 
Christ,  when  you  shall  welcome  their  return  with  a  more  joy- 
ful mind,  than  if  they  had  never  been  separated  from  your 
embraces  and  your  sight.  Our  brethren  of  Zurich  under 
whose  care  they  are  placed  will,  I  doubt  not,  do  their  duty 
towards  them  so  faithfully,  that  the  success  will  correspond 
to  your  hope  and  desires.  I  myself  also,  should  I  ever  pass 
that  way,  \fill  make  a  point  of  exhorting  them  not  to  dis- 
appoint your  expectations.  For  this  holy  desire  is  evangeli- 
cal, and  such  as  all  good  men  should  study  to  favour ;  and  the 
pious  discipline  which  flourishes  in  your  house  is  no  less 
worthy  of  praise;  and  would  that  all  had  at  heart  to  make  it  a 
rule  for  their  families,  to  cherish  as  it  were  a  domestic  church 
in  their  houses.  It  were  also  to  be  desired,  especially  while 
among  you  the  state  of  affairs  is  so  unsettled,  that  there  were 
found  not  only  more  ladies,  but  men  who  should  spread  the 
light  of  a  similar  example.  But  because  this  ceaseless  struggle 
has  been  appointed  you — you  must  hold  on  till  you  reach  the 
mark.  The  eyes  of  many,  I  hear,  have  been  fixed  on  you,  not 
only  because  they  see  a  woman  of  high  rank  excelling  in 
virtue,  but  because  God  hath  proposed  in  you,  an  example 
which  should  deservedly  draw  on  even  men  to  imitate  it. 
But  because,  in  the  course  of  our  lives,  many  obstacles  occur 
which  it  would  not  be  easy  for  us  to  surmount,  I  will  pray 
the  Lord  that  he  may  strengthen  you  to  persevere,  enrich 
you  from  day  to  day  with  the  gifts  of  his  Spirit,  and  in  the 
mean  time  keep  you  in  safety  under  his  hand  and  protection. 
Farewell,  most  noble  lady. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 
15 


114  BULLIXGER.  [1555. 


CCCLXXVIIL— To  Btjlllnger. 

Dispatch  to  the  Swiss  Churches  of  a  circular  letter  concerning  the  controversy  with 
Westphal — defence  of  the  Protestants  of  Locarno. 

Geneva,  13/7t  January  1555. 

Your  advice  has  my  approbation,  for  a  great  deal  of  time 
would  have  been  consumed  in  continually  sending  letters 
backwards  and  forwards;  and  in  a  matter  in  which  nothing 
was  concluded,  many  would  have  been  more  refractory  who  I 
hope  will  be  favourable  and  compliant.  I  have  therefore  given 
the  book  to  be  put  to  press  immediately.  But  unless  you 
be  answerable  for  the  fault,  this  haste  will  not  escape  censure. 
But  where  your  authority  shall  intervene,  nobody  will  molest 
me.  Especially  you  must  be  urgent  among  the  brethren  of 
Berne,  unless  you  wish  me  to  be  exposed  to  the  unfavourable 
remarks,  and  finally  to  the  clamours  and  turbulence  of  all. 
Among  those  of  the  Grisons,  St.  Gall,  and  Schaffhausen,  I  do 
not  anticipate  that  you  will  have  any  difficulty.  I  have  writ- 
ten to  all  in  the  same  form  lest  any  jealousy  should  arise  if  by 
chance  they  should  communicate  with  one  another.  It  is 
superfluous  to  beg  you  to  see  that  the  packets  be  delivered  to 
each  of  them;  for  I  am  imposing  no  other  task  on  you  than 
what  you  voluntarily  solicited.  But  though  the  natives  of 
Mulhouse  were  nearer  neighbours  to  those  of  Basle,  yet  as  the 
pastors  of  that  city  are  unknown  to  me,  and  as  I  had  no  doubt 
that  a  word  of  recommendation  added  by  you  would  produce 
an  excellent  effect,  I  have  thought  proper  to  abandon  this 
office  also  entirely  to  your  discretion. 

The  cause  of  the  brethren  of  Locarno  has  deservedly  afflicted 
you  and  all  of  us  with  the  most  bitter  grief.'     First  that  they 

1  Locarno,  on  the  shores  of  the  Lago  Maggiore,  one  of  the  most  ancient  of  the  Swiss 
Bailliages  in  Italy,  early  received  the  preachers  of  the  gospel.  Instructed  for  the 
greater  part  by  Beccaria  in  the  Reformed  faith,  the  inhabitants  of  this  city  could  not 
obtain  from  the  majority  of  the  Swiss  Cantons,  liberty  of  conscience,  and  voluntarily 
abandoning  their  native  country,  in  order  to  remain  faithful  to  their  religious  convic- 
tions, they  passed  the  Alps  in  the  depth  of  winter  (1554-1555,)  and  obtained  an  asylum 


1555.]  BULLINGER.  115 

should  be  deserted  by  their  natural  protectors  was  shameful. 
But  it  is  a  deeper  disgrace  that  professors  of  the  gospel  should 
in  their  own  name  suffer  the  adherents  of  the  same  faith  to  be 
drawn  away  to  a  perfidious  recantation.  Far  better  would  it 
have  been  to  expose  ten  times  over  pious  brethren  to  the  exe- 
cutioner. For  it  is  a  preposterous  clemency  to  expose  God's 
sacred  truth  to  derision,  in  order  to  spare  the  life  of  men. 
And  so  little  are  they  ashamed  of  their  own  dishonour  that,  in 
their  common  council,  they  endeavour  almost  to  discourage 
the  virtue  of  others.  I  wish  I  may  hear  ere  long  that  they 
have  been  repelled  by  your  townsmen,  with  that  severity 
which  they  deserve,  that  at  last  they  may  begin  to  feel  some- 
thing. For  they  must  needs  be  beyond  measure  stupid,  not 
to  be  yet  affected  by  their  immense  turpitude.  I  should  have 
wished  exceedingly  to  encourage  the  unfortunate  brethren  of 
Locarno  by  some  consolation  at  least,  that  they  might  under- 
stand that  we  feel  sympathy  for  them;  but  that  owing  to  the 
distance  of  the  places,  their  state  is  unknown  to  me,  and  be- 
cause I  doubt  not  but  you  have  carefully  discharged  these 
duties  towards  them.  Farewell,  most  excellent  sir,  and  ever 
honoured  brother,  may  the  Lord  continue  to  direct  you  and 
your  colleagues.  May  he  bless  your  holy  zeal,  that  through 
you  he  may  triumph  over  these  perfidious  Pilates,  who  while 
they  scourge  Christ,  that  they  may  exempt  him  from  cruci- 
fixion, do  yet  unjustly  stigmatize  by  the  name  of  contumacy 
your  gravity.  I  salute  your  wife,  sons-in-law,  and  daughters. 
— Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Led.  copy. — Arch,  of  Zurich.  Colloq.  1.     Gest.  vi.  107,  p.  628.J 

at  Zurich.  The  Bernese,  who,  on  the  hanks  of  the  Leman,  shewed  themselves  the  con- 
stant protectors  of  the  gospel,  betrayed  it  on  this  occasion,  and  abandoned  the  Pro- 
testants of  Locarno  to  their  unfortunate  fate.  Zurich  shewed  itself  more  faithful,  and 
received  within  her  walls  numerous  emigrants,  among  whom  might  be  remarked  the 
representatives  of  the  noblest  families,  the  Muralt  and  the  Orelli,  who  were  destined 
to  illustrate  the  country  of  their  adoption.  See  the  excellent  work  of  M.  Ferdinand 
Mayer,  Die  Gemeinde  di  Locarno,  2  vols.  8vo,  and  the  Hiatoire  de  la  Confederation 
Suisse,  torn.  si.  p.  402  435. 


116  THE   MINISTERS   OF   STRASBOURG.  [1555. 

CCCLXXIX. — To  the  Ministers  of  Strasbourg.1 

Marks  of  fraternal  affection — explanation  respecting  the  Sacrament. 

Geneva,  13th  January  1555. 

Though  I  have  been  recently  deceived  in  you,  I  cease  not, 
for  all  that,  to  love  you  and  desire  to  have  a  holy  and  truly 
fraternal  union  with  you,  and  to  the  last  I  shall  study  to  cherish 
that  union  as  much  as  it  shall  be  in  my  power.  When  I  say 
that  I  complain  of  having  been  deceived  in  you,  understand 
that  as  said  without  any  resentment  on  my  part.  For  when  I 
lately  addressed  a  letter  to  M.  Marbach,2  of  which  the  contents 
were  intended  to  be  communicated  to  you  all,  it  appeared  to 
me  that  I  was  not  unworthy  of  receiving  some  answer,  but  no 
one  deigned  to  honour  me  with  a  single  word  in  reply.  Cer- 
tainly my  manner  of  living  among  you  was  not  such  as  to 
entitle  me  to  be  so  slighted,  much  less  to  be  contumeliously 
thrown  off.  Nevertheless  this  little  affront,  though  it  did 
slightly  gall  me,  shall  not  be  the  cause  of  an  alienation  in  my 
affections  to  you  which  I  shall  continue  to  cherish  with  the 
most  perfect  sincerity.  What  is  more,  relying  confidently  on 
your  friendly  feelings  towards  me,  as  certain  turbulent  men 
are  stigmatizing  our  doctrine  respecting  the  sacraments,  I 
offer  you  a  short  explanation  of  it  now  published  by  me,  that 
if  it  meet  with  your  approbation  it  may  contribute  to  cement 
more  closely  our  friendship.  Truly  I  consider  it  an  unhal- 
lowed act  to  sever  myself  from  that  church  of  which  I  was 
formerly  a  minister;  therefore  in  this  writing  I  have  sincerely 
expounded  what  I  always  frankly  professed  among  you,  and 
what  was  approved  of  by  the  holy  servants  of  Christ,  Capiton 
and  Bucer,  and  I  have  preserved  that  moderation  which  un- 
less I  am  mistaken  will  satisfy  your  impartiality.     If  I  shall 

1  Under  the  influence  of  Marbach  the  pastors  of  the  Church  of  Strasbourg,  unfaithful 
to  the  traditions  of  toleration  so  nobly  represented  by  Bucer,  Capiton,  and  Hedion, 
shewed  themselves  every  day  less  favourable  to  the  ideas  of  religious  concord  which 
had  formed  the  principal  glory  of  the  conductors  of  their  church  in  other  times. 

s  To  Dr.  Marbach,  25th  August  1554,  p.  54. 


1555.]  THE   ENGLISH  AT  FRANKFORT.  117 

learn,  moreover,  that  this  well  meant  compliment  of  mine  has 
been  agreeable  to  you,  I  shall  have  reason  to  congratulate 
myself.  Farewell,  distinguished  men,  and  brethren  whom 
from  my  heart  I  honour.  May  the  Lord  always  stand  by  you, 
govern  you  with  his  Spirit,  and  bless  your  pious  efforts  and 
the  gravity  which  on  a  late  occasion,  with  so  much  credit  to 
yourselves,  you  displayed. 

\Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 


CCCLXXX. — To  the  English  at  Frankfort.1 

He  exhorts  them  to  make  in  their  liturgy  all  the  changes  compatible  with  the  main- 
tenance of  union  and  the  peace  of  their  Church. 

Geneva,  13th  January  1555. 

This  indeed  grievously  afflicts  me  and  is  highly  absurd, 
that  discord  is  springing  up  among  brethren  who  are  for  the 
same  faith  exiles  and  fugitives  from  their  country  ;  and  for  a 
cause  indeed  which  in  your  dispersion  should  like  a  sacred 
bond  have  held  you  closely  united.  For  in  this  sad  and 
wretched  calamity,  what  could  you  do  better,  torn  as  you  were 
from  the  bosom  of  your  country,  than  adopt  a  church  which 
received  into  its  maternal  bosom,  those  who  were  connected 
with  you  in  minds  and  language?  Now,  on  the  contrary,  that 
some  of  you  should  be  stirring  up  contentions  about  forms  of 
prayer  and  ceremonies,  as  if  you  were  at  ease  and  in  a  season 
of  tranquillity,  and  thus  throwing  an  obstacle  in  the  way  of 

1  Numerous  English  refugees  had  spread  themselves  over  the  continent  in  order  to 
profess  freely  there  their  faith  persecuted  with  extreme  rigour  by  the  catholic  Mary. 
Some  of  them  arrived  at  Frankfort,  and  having  found  in  this  city  a  French  Church 
regularly  established,  they  obtained  from  the  magistrates  the  same  privilege,  and  were 
permitted  to  celebrate  their  worship  in  the  temple  granted  to  the  French,  on  condi- 
tion, however,  that  they  should  not  innovate  too  much  in  the  ceremonies.  United  by 
a  common  aversion  for  the  doctrines  of  the  Romish  Church,  they  unfortunately  dif- 
fered on  some  particular  points  concerning  public  worship  and  ceremonies.  Thence 
sprung  discussions  more  or  less  sharp,  related  at  great  length  in  a  curious  work  pub- 
lished for  the  first  time  in  1575,  and  entitled,  "A  brief  discourse  of  the  trottbles  begun 
at  Frankfort  in  the  year  1554,"  1  vol.  12mo.  The  author  of  this  work  was  AVilliam 
Whittingham,  one  of  the  pastors  of  the  English  Church  of  Frankfort,  and  a  rigid 
Presbyterian,  as  well  as  his  colleague  the  celebrated  John  Knox,  the  Scotch  Reformer. 


118  THE   ENGLISH   AT  FRANKFORT.  [1555. 

your  coalescing  in  one  body  of  worshippers,  this  is  really  too 
unreasonable.  Nor  do  I  blame  the  firmness  of  those  who,  even 
to  fight  in  a  just  cause,  are  unwillingly  dragged  into  the  con- 
test, but  I  condemn,  and  with  justice,  that  stubbornness  which 
clogs  and  retards  holy  efforts  to  form  a  church.  Though  in 
indifferent  matters,  such  as  are  external  rites,  I  shew  myself 
indulgent  and  pliable,  at  the  same  time,  I  do  not  deem  it  ex- 
pedient always  to  comply  with  the  foolish  captiousness  of 
those  who  will  not  give  up  a  single  point  of  their  usual 
routine.  In  the  Anglican  liturgy,  such  as  you  describe  it  to 
me,  I  see  that  there  were  many  silly  things  that  might  be 
tolerated.  By  this  phrase  I  mean  that  it  did  not  possess  that 
purity  which  was  to  be  desired.  The  faults,  however,  which 
could  not  straightway  be  corrected  on  the  first  day,  if  there 
lurked  under  them  no  manifest  impiety,  were  to  be  endured 
for  a  time.  Thus  then  it  was  lawful  to  begin  from  such  rudi- 
ments, but  still  so  that  it  might  be  proper  for  learned,  grave, 
and  virtuous  ministers  of  Christ  to  proceed  farther,  and  prune 
away  unsightly  excrescences,  and  aim  at  something  purer. 
If  undefined  religion  had  flourished  up  to  this  moment  in  Eng- 
land, there  would  have  been  a  necessity  for  having  many 
things  corrected  for  the  better,  and  many  others  lopped  off. 
Now  that,  these  first  beginnings  having  been  destroyed,  a 
church  is  to  be  built  up  by  you  elsewhere,  and  you  are  at 
liberty  to  compose  anew  the  form  which  will  seem  best  adapted 
for  the  use  and  edification  of  that  church,  I  really  know  not 
what  those  persons  would  be  at,  who  take  such  delight  in  the 
scum  and  dregs  of  Papistry.  But  they  are  attached  to  those 
things  to  which  they  had  been  accustomed.  This  in  the  first 
place,  is  both  nugatory  and  childish ;  next,  this  new  institu- 
tion differs  greatly  from  a  total  change.  For  my  part,  if  I 
would  not  have  you  to  be  unduly  rigorous  towards  those 
whose  weakness  cannot  scale  the  highest  steps  of  the  ladder, 
so  again  I  would  have  the  others  admonished  not  to  have  too 
much  complacency  in  their  own  ignorance;  next,  not  to  retard 
by  their  stubbornness  the  progress  of  this  holy  edifice;  thirdly, 
not  to  be  led  astray  by  foolish  jealousy.  For  what  motive 
have  they  for  wrangling,  unless  it  be  that  they  are  ashamed 


1555.]  CHARLES   DUMOULIX.  119 

of  giving  way  to  their  betters?  But  it  is  idle  to  address  my 
discourse  to  persons  who,  perhaps,  do  not  think  me  of  suffi- 
cient importance  to  deign  to  listen  to  advice  coming  from  such 
a  quarter.  If  they  dread  unfavourable  rumours  in  England, 
as  if  they  had  fallen  away  from  the  religion  which  was  the 
cause  of  their  exile,  they  are  greatly  mistaken.  For  this  more 
candid  and  sincere  confession  will  compel  the  faithful  that 
are  still  remaining  in  that  country,  to  ponder  deeply  on  the 
depth  of  the  abyss  into  which  they  have  fallen.  For  their 
own  headlong  fall  will  wound  them  more  deeply  when  they 
shall  see  you  advancing  far  beyond  the  middle  of  the  course 
from  which  they  themselves  have  been  violently  dragged 
back.  Farewell,  most  excellent  brethren,  and  faithful  servants 
of  Christ.  May  the  Lord  continue  to  protect  and  govern 
you.' 

[Calvin's  Lat.  Corresp.    Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  98.] 


CCCLXXXL— To  Charles  Dumoulix.2 

He  encourages  him  to  prolong  his  stay  in  Germany,  and  expresses  his  desire  that  h» 
may  there  be  speedily  joined  by  his  wife. 

Geneva,  lZth  January  1555. 

It  happened  that  my  letter,  either  from  the  carelessness  or 
the  malice  of  the  physician  to  whom  it  was  entrusted,  came 

1  The  answer  of  the  English  exiles  of  Frankfort  to  Calvin  has  been  preserved.  The 
most  conciliating  spirit  is  remarked  in  it  : — "For  we  are  not  so  entirely  wedded  to 
our  country,  as  not  to  be  able  to  tolerate  the  usages  of  others,  nor  do  we  set  so  high  a 
value  on  the  fathers  and  martyrs  of  Christ,  that  it  is  a  point  of  religion  with  us  not 
to  think  or  decide  any  thing  contrary  to  them."  They  ask  only  to  be  permitted  to 
retain  their  liturgy  and  some  form  in  the  administration  of  the  sacraments.  Library 
of  Geneva,  vol.  117,  and  Zurich  Letters  (1537,  1538,)  torn.  ii.  p.  753.  In  the  number 
of  those  who  signed  the  letter  is  Edmond  Grindal,  who  became,  at  a  later  period, 
Bishop  of  London,  and  remained  attached  by  the  ties  of  the  most  fraternal  affection 
to  Calvin. 

2  See  page  47.  Charles  Dumoulin  had  already  quitted  the  university  of  Tubingen 
to  escape  from  the  jealous  attacks  of  his  colleagues.  He  went  successively  to  Mon- 
beliard,  to  Dole,  and  in  1556  returned  to  Paris.  The  last  years  of  his  life  were  spent 
iu  the  midst  of  the  civil  and  religious  troubles  of  France,  to  which  he  did  not  remain 
a  -tranger.  Equally  the  object  of  attack  of  all  parties,  he  died  it  is  said  in  the  com- 
munion of  the  Romish  Church,  leaving  the  reputation  of  having  been  one  of  the  most 


120  CHARLES   DUMOULIN.  [1555. 

rather  unseasonably  to  your  hands.  "When  I  wrote  it,  I  did 
not  think  of  your  so  sudden  departure.  For  though  it  is  hate- 
ful to  be  involved  in  bickerings,  }ret  as  you  came  off  con- 
queror in  all  their  first  attacks,  and  their  rage  had  been  miti- 
gated, I  was  in  hopes,  if  any  vexations  remained,  that  they 
would  be  supportable.  I  am  glad,  however,  that  your  new 
habitation  pleases  you,  and  that  the  air  of  the  place  is  salu- 
tary and  agreeable  to  you.  Certainly  when  I  once  passed 
through  it,  it  seemed  to  me  rather  a  pretty  country.  I  am 
afraid  you  will  find  some  difficulty  in  digesting  the  roughness 
of  their  manners.  You  will  find,  however,  some  men  whose 
politeness  will  charm  you,  whose  intercourse  will  even  season 
other  inconveniences.  I  scarcely  dare  venture  to  hope  for 
the  arrival  of  your  wife  and  family.  For  though  you  may 
obtain  a  permission  for  her  from  the  king,  yet  I  was  informed 
by  a  certain  person,  one  of  the  chief  men  of  the  court,  and 
indeed  a  friend  of  your  own,  that  he  was  greatly  deceived  if 
your  wife  would  comply  with  your  wishes.  But  it  belongs  to 
the  Lord  to  incline  her  heart.  Of  this  I  wished  you  to  be 
made  aware,  partly  that  you  may  sift  her  mind,  partly  that 
you  may  know  that  you  must  persist  and  earnestly  strive  to 
snatch  her  from  the  nest  to  which  she  clings.  Of  Clement 
your  judgment  is  just.  Insipid  are  the  ravings  of  the  profane 
man,  who,  without  having  the  slightest  tincture  of  sound  and 
pious  doctrine,  covets  the  reputation  of  a  philosophaster.  So 
much  the  more  abominable  is  their  wickedness  who  put  for- 
ward such  silly  constructors  of  puerilities  for  holy  fathers.  I 
send  for  your  perusal  the  defence  of  our  doctrine,  by  which  I 
have  wished  to  quell  the  intemperance  of  the  Saxons,  who  are 
again  stirring  up  new  quarrels  about  the  sacraments.  Tt  was 
written  at  the  request  of  the  Zurichers,  who  having  added  a 
subscription  exhorted  me  to  publish  it.  Farewell,  excellent 
sir,  and  honoured  brother.  May  the  Lord  always  stand  by, 
govern,  and  protect  you. — Yours,  John  Calyix. 

[Lat.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107  a.] 

lenmed  men  of  his  age.  The  historian  de  Thou  praises  his  solid  judgment  and  his 
profound  erudition,  joined  to  the  purity  of  his  morals  and  his  ardent  zeal  for  the 
truth.  It  does  not  appear  that  Calvin's  relations  with  him  were  extended  beyond 
the  year  1556,  the  period  when  the  latter  returned  to  France. 


1555.]  PETER   MARTYR.  121 


CCCLXXXIL— To  Peter  Martyr.' 

He  returns  to  the  question  of  the  Saeraments-remarkable  judgment  respecting  Bucer 
-complaint*  against  John  Laski  and  Melanchthon-call  addressed  to  Martyr  by 
the  Italian  congregation  of  Geneva. 

Geneva,  18th  January  1555. 

Our  friend  Tremelli,  that  he  might  transmit  to  me  your 
letter  from  hand  to  hand,  as  the  saying  is,  kept  it  rather  long 
by  him.     The  delay  however    occasioned   no  inconvenience 
except  that  I  answer  you  a  little  later.     Another  motive  than 
the  delay  of  your  messenger   prevented   me  from  changing 
anything  in  the  passages  you  have  marked.     You  remind  me 
prudently  indeed  of  the  danger  arising  from  ambiguous  ex- 
pressions, and  not  unseasonably  you  cite  the  example  of  the 
very  worthy  Bucer;    if   indeed  our  purpose  were  the  same. 
How  very  different  it  is,  to  you  I  need  not  explain.     For  he, 
wishing   to  calm  the  violence  of   Luther   and  his  partisans, 
stooped  so  servilely  that  he  was  entangled  in  continual  per- 
plexity by  single  words.     Another  exigency  forced  him  to 
shuffle;  he  wished  to  conceal  not  very  candidly  the  disgrace 
of  his  former  imprudence,  as  I  often  let  him  know;  for  no  one, 
I  think,  urged  him  with  greater  freedom  and  even  sharpness 
in  this  'caus°e  to  have  the  courage  to  avow  more  sincerely  and 
without  equivocal  phrases  what  he  felt  to  be  the  truth.     But 
he  bent  on  appeasing  the  Saxons,  never  spoke  frankly  out. 
Hence  it  happened  that  he  blended  together  heaven  and  earth. 

■  Martyr  had  scarcelv  arrived  at  Strasbourg  when  he  saw  himself  drawn  into  the 
Sacramentarian  quarrel  of  which  he  blamed  the  excesses.  Endowed  with  immense 
learning,  of  a  conciliating  disposition,  he  tried  in  vain  to  interpose  between  the  parties 
in  proclaiming  the  necessity  of  employing  on  these  subjects,  nothing  but  clear  and 
precise  language,  a  language  equally  exempt  from  the  Lutheran  ex.ggerut.ons  and 
the  ambigu.ties  into  which  the  desire  of  pleasing  a.l  part.es  had  formerly  seduced 
Bucer  While  he  acknowledged  the  wisdom  of  his  advice,  Calvin  nevertheless  thought 
it  his  duty  to  maintain  the  terms  which  he  had  employed  in  the  expos.t.on  of  the 
controversy  of  the  Sacraments,  and  Martyr  wrote  to  him  :  - 1  take  it  not  only  rn  good 
but  in  the  best  part  that  you  have  not  changed  any  of  the  expresses  winch  I  had 
advised  you  to  do,  now  that  I  have  heard  the  reasons  you  have  ass.gned  m  your  letter. 
8th  March  1555.  Martyrie  Epistola,  p.  233. 
16 


122  PETER    MARTYR.  [1555. 

But  I  entertain  no  conceits  about  heavens,  that  take  up  the 
place  of  the  earth;  I  invent  nothing  about  an  infinitely  ex- 
tended body  of  Christ,  nor  do  I  twist  into  an  intricate  synec- 
doche the  words  of  our  Lord  so  as  to  make  the  bread  contain 
the  body,  nor  do  I  enter  into  crooked  discussions  about  sub- 
stantial manducation.  But  on  obscure  points  I  endeavour  to 
throw  a  dubious  light,  certainly  I  explain  by  making  distinc- 
tions, and  I  unequivocally  repudiate  all  the  absurd  fictions 
about  which  they  have  hitherto  contended  with  us.  Nor  did 
I  propose  to  myself  to  warp  my  discourse  to  humour  those 
whom  I  know  to  be  implacable,  and  upon  whom  I  make  open 
war.  Now  I  come  to  those  passages  about  which  you  give 
me  your  advice.  Though  what  you  write  about  the  first  en- 
tering into  communion  with  Christ,  I  confess  to  be  true,  in 
the  same  sense,  however,  in  which  Paul  teaches  that  Christ  is 
manifested  to  us  in  baptism,  I  have  not  hesitated  to  say  that 
we  are  inserted  into  his  body.  If  any  one  will  wrest  the  ex- 
pression into  another  sense,  the  solution  of  the  question  will 
be  easy  from  other  passages.  Nay,  as  I  had  purposely  pub- 
lished a  tract  on  this  matter,  I  am  not  afraid  that  my  expres- 
sions will  occasion  any  obscurity.  Respecting  the  efficacy 
of  the  Spirit  which  I  have  said  exists  in  the  Sacraments,  what 
you  add  I  willingly  adopt,  as  I  have  shewn  with  sufficient 
clearness  in  other  passages.  But  in  so  brief  a  compendium,  a 
more  detailed  development,  in  my  opinion,  would  have  been 
out  of  place.  Nevertheless  I  should  have  had  no  objections 
to  insert  a  few  words,  but  before  you  wrote  back  to  me  the 
Zurichers  had  already  returned  the  tract,  stamped  with  their 
approbation  and  with  a  subscription,  and  insisted  on  its  prompt 
publication.  I  scarcely  thought  myself  at  liberty,  then,  without 
some  very  urgent  necessity  to  make  any  corrections.  This 
delicacy  or  fear  withheld  me  from  adding  anything,  especially 
as  no  more  cogent  reason  impelled  me.  That  form  of  ex- 
pression also,  in  which  I  grant  that  the  body  of  Christ  is  given 
us  in  the  bread,  appeared  to  me  supportable,  applying  to  it 
the  light  of  a  sound  intelligence,  which  excludes  all  idea  of 
local  presence  and  circumscription  and  miraculous  ubiquity. 
Not  that  the  moderation  prescribed  by  you  displeased  me,  but 


1555.]  PETER    MARTYR.  123 

I  was  afraid  that  ill-disposed  interpreters  might  make  this 
very  circumstance  a  subject  of  accusation  against  me,  viz.,  that 
by  my  excessive  precautions,  I  shewed  signs  of  distrust. 
Moreover  I  am  not  so  hampered  by  the  publication  of  this 
book  as  not  hereafter  to  give  freer  scope  to  my  faculties,  as 
soon  as  anything  hostile  shall  assail  us.  For  the  rest  I  am 
too  greatly  pleased  with  your  candour,  not  to  think  that  it  was 
by  no  means  worth  while  that  you  should  so  anxiously  seek 
to  excuse  an  act  of  courtesy  undertaken  by  you  at  my  request. 
It  is  I  rather  that  ought  to  entreat  your  forgiveness  for  not 
having  followed  your  advice,  which,  however,  relying  on  your 
indulgence,  I  see  I  shall  have  no  great  difficulty  in  obtaining. 
Certainly  neither  self-conceit  nor  disdain  stood  in  the  way  of 
my  inserting  without  hesitation  the  things  which  you  thought 
proper  to  suggest.  But  as  the  desire  of  the  Zurichers  had 
been  signified  to  me,  I  also  wished  to  guard  against  any  change 
which  might  render  the  people  of  Basle  less  favourable  to  us, 
and  indeed  it  had  not  escaped  the  Zurichers,  that  Sulzer  and 
certain  others  like  him,  who  for  other  reasons  leaned  too  much 
to  the  Saxon  side,  were  to  be  gently  dealt  with,  without  how- 
ever carrying  our  complaisance  to  the  ignorance  or  captious- 
ness  of  any  one,  so  far  as  not  sincerely  and  undisguisedly  to 
assert  the  true  doctrine.  I  confess  I  see  in  truth  no  danger 
that  any  one  will  reproach  me  with  having  spoken  ambigu- 
ously, or  that  our  adversaries  will  raise  their  crests — under 
the  pretext  of  my  words.  But  as  your  vain  peacock1  has 
lately  betrayed  his  disdain  by  keeping  silence,  I  know  not  if 
there  would  be  any  good  in  stimulating  him  again.  If  in 
your  opinion  and  that  of  M,  Sturm,  there  will  be  no  harm  in 
sounding  the  minds  of  all,  I  have  dictated  a  short  letter  which 
may  elicit  something  on  this  subject.  I  leave  to  your  own 
judgment,  whether  to  deliver  or  suppress  it,  only  I  was  un- 
willing that  anything  should  be  a  wanting  on  my  part.  For 
though  we  should  gain  nothing  with  him  and  Beatus  Venter,2 
there  are  nevertheless  at  least  four  or  five  in  your  society  who 
I  fancy  will  not  be  too  unfavourably  disposed  towards  us. 

1  Marbach  no  doubt. 

aTbe  minister  Beat  Gerung,  ironically  nicknamed  Beatus  Venter  (Lusty  Paunch). 


124  PETER   MARTYR.  [1555. 

Just  as  I  bad  written  thus  far,  your  last  letter,  and  another 
from  John  Laski  were  put  into  my  hands.     I  cannot  imagine 
why  they  have  been  so  long  detained  on  the  road.     The  worthy 
man  complains  that  from  following  my  authority  he  has  been 
most  despitefully  handled  by  our  adversaries.     I  know  not 
what  he  pretends  to  by  this  complaint,  unless  it  be  to  bring 
me  over  to  his  forms  of  expression,  which  is  a  thing  impossi- 
ble, nor  has  he  a  right  to  take  it  amiss  that  those  things  which 
he  proves  by  no  solid  argument  should  not  be  admitted  by  us, 
when  he  takes  the  liberty  of  repudiating  what  we  lay  down 
from  the  Holy  Scriptures  respecting  the  gratuitous  predesti- 
nation of  God.     According  to  him  the  body  of  Christ  is  an 
operation,  or  the  symbol  of  a  body,  not  the  bread.     What  then 
is  to  be  said  of  the  cup?     Let  him  enjoy  his  own  interpreta- 
tion, provided  he  do  not  any  more  require  of  me  what  I  can- 
not accord.     Whatever  disputes  he  pursues  in  his  letter  the 
whole  question  hinges  on  this  point,  whether  the  natural  body 
of  Christ  be  not  given  to  us  for  nourishment,  and  as  if  life 
were  to  be  sought  for  from  anything  else,  than  from  a  natural 
body.     But  there  is  a  point  on  which  it  became  him  to  insist 
much  more,  viz.,  that  we  should  not  imagine  any  fiction  of  a 
substance,  or  transfusion,  or  commingling  of  parts.     No  doubt 
he  is  aiming  at  this  same  mark  as  well  as  we,  but  yet  I  am 
rather  afraid  that,  ensnared  by  his  fondness  for  certain  favour- 
ite terms,  and  insisting  with  too  great  rigour  on  his  own  forms 
of  expression,  he  may  exasperate  captious  men.     These  re- 
marks are  for  your  own  private  ear,  for  I  should  wish,  if  it 
were  possible,  that  every  ground  of  displaying  their  hatred 
should  be  taken  away  from  our  enemies.     It  is  not  without 
the  most  poignant  sorrow,  I  am  forced  to  call  enemies  those 
who  ou°mt  to  hold  the  place  of  brethren  in  our  esteem,  though 
nevertheless  it  is  expedient  that  their  perverseness  should  be 
judiciously  confuted.     At  the  same  time  I  should  wish  that 
we  put  so  much  moderation  into  our  manner  of  teaching,  thai 
among  all  fair  and  sound  judging  persons,  it  might  beget  an 
aversion  for  their  frowardneas.     About  Philip  I  am  not  over 
anxious.     It  is  possible  that  he  may  have  shewn  my  letters  to 
pome  rather  imprudent  friend  ;  if  it  has  piqued   him  so  much 


1555.]  PETER    MARTYR.  125 

the  better.  It  contains  nothing,  certainly,  which  I  repent  of 
having  written.  But  I  agree  with  M.  Sturm,  who  desires  that 
by  all  means  we  may  detach  him  from  that  party.  And  this 
he  sees  is  a  thing  to  be  wished  for  by  himself,  but  distracted 
by  various  considerations,  he  will  never  disengage  himself 
unless  he  be  torn  from  them  by  others. '  But  now  I  must 
rather  enter  on  what  concerns  yourself,  because  the  subject  is 
more  seasonable. 

When  our  friend  Celso1  understood  that  the  Italians  who 
are  settled  here,  desired  exceedingly  to  have  you,  a  thing 
which  your  erudition  and  piety  deserve,  he  not  only  acceded 
to  their  wishes,  but  warmly  encouraged  them.  After  a  very 
brief  interval  of  delay,  they  unanimously  decided  that  you 
should  be  implored  to  consent,  if  unfettered  b}r  other  engage- 
ments, to  undertake  this  charge.  I  have  been  entreated  by 
them  indeed  to  interpose  my  offices  to  persuade  you,  though 
there  is  nothing  which  I  would  have  undertaken  more  will- 
ingly ;  nor  indeed  if  before  this  we  had  had  any  competent 
situation  to  offer  you,  should  I  have  delayed  till  now  to  un- 
dertake this  task.  But  the  low  state  of  our  public  treasury  ^ 
is  the  cause  why  I  have  hitherto  been  unable  to  offer  }tou  any- 
thing, since  it  is  with  much  difficulty  that  the  city  itself  fur- 
nishes a  slender  pittance  to  its  ministers.  And  though  what 
the  brethren  have  determined  to  contribute  will  not  form  an 
ample  salary,  yet  I  know  that  from  this  circumstance  will 
arise  no  obstacle  to  your  complying  with  their  desires.  On 
this  point  all  your  deliberation  turns,  whether  you  are  at 
liberty  to  abandon  the  post  in  which  you  have  been  placed. 
The  vehement  desire  which  I  feel  for  your  arrival  makes  me, 
in  a  certain  degree,  distrust  my  own  impressions.     And  cer- 

1  Martyr  had  scarcely  been  settled  at  Strasbourg,  when  at  the  instigation  of  the 
minister,  Celso  Martinengho,  a  call  was  addressed  to  him  by  the  Italian  Church  of 
Geneva.  He  did  not  think  himself  bound  to  accept  this  call,  and  in  his  answer  to 
Calvin,  he  referred  to  the  benefits  which  had  been  heaped  on  him  by  the  Senate  of 
Strasbourg,  as  well  as  the  ties  which  connected  him  with  the  school  and  the  church 
of  that  city.  He  terminated  his  letter  in  pronouncing  the  highest  eulogium  on  Count 
Celso  : — "What  pretext  can  I  shew?  that  the  Church  of  Geneva  is  forsaken?  but 
they  have  Celso,  who  is  as  dear  to  me  as  my  own  life,  and  whom  I  know  well  to  be  a  vir- 
tuous, learned,  and  serious  man,  quite  proper  to  govern  a  church."  Martyris  Ejnstolce, 
p.  23S.     He  quitted  Strasbourg  the  following  year,  only  to  retire  to  Zurich. 


126  PETER   MARTYR.  [1555. 

tainly  according  to  your  own  prudence,  you  are,  in  the  present 
case,  a  far  better  judge  of  what  is  most  expedient  to  be  done, 
than  to  require  any  advice  from  others.     But  unless  you  feel 
yourself  bound  by  too  sacred  a  tie  to  find  yourself  at  liberty 
to  change,  you  are  bound  not  to  hesitate  in  obeying  this  call, 
which  we  are  not  less  confident  will  be  useful,  than  we  are 
convinced  that  it  is  from  the  Lord.     It  is  indeed  a  little  flock, 
but  truly  chosen,  and  such  that  I  think  in  it  may  be  seen  the 
flower  of  Italy.     Nor  have  you  to  fear  that  you  shall  have  any 
trouble  from  jealous  rivalry.     For  I  answer  for  our  friend 
Celso ;  such  is  the  meekness  of  his  temper,  that  you  will  find 
in  him  a  fellow  workman  not  less  tractable  than  faithful.    For 
yourself  indeed  I  know  certainly  that  nothing  will  be  more 
desirable  to  you,  than  in  your  turn  to  embrace  as  a  brother, 
with  all  cordiality  and  modesty,  the  man  in  whom  you  will 
experience  the  filial  affection  of  a  son.     It  only  remains  for 
us  to  expect  what  decision  your  conscience  will  permit  you  to 
take ;  for  unless  you  are  disengaged  we  dare  not  summon  you 
away,  especially  since  the  Lord  employs  you  usefully  in  an 
honourable  function  where  you  now  are.     I  am  not  surprised 
if  their  arms  have  hitherto  procured  the  Germans  but  slight  ad- 
vantage, if  they  are  so  insensible  to  the  loss  occasioned  by 
their  own  spoliation.     Nay,  when  they  have  long  ago  volun- 
tarily deprived  themselves  of  heavenly  protection,  I  have  no 
doubt  that  now  they  are  struck  with  the  spirit  of  astonish- 
ment that  they  may  conspire  to  their  own  destruction.     Al- 
though perfect  peace  is  not   yet  established   in  your  little 
French  church,  I  congratulate  it  on  its  more  tranquil  condi- 
tion.    Farewell,  distinguished  sir,  and  highly  honoured  bro- 
ther.    Very  best  respects  to  M.  Sturm,  and  M.  Sleidan.     May 
the  Lord  continue  to  protect  you,  and  bestow  on  you  every 
kind  of  blessing. — Truly  yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lot.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107  a.] 


1555.]  THE    CHURCH   OF   PARIS.  127 


CCCLXXXIII.— To  the  Church  of  Paris.' 

Christian  exhortations — announces  the  sending  of  a  pastor. 

2Sth  January  1055. 

Dear  Seigneurs  and  Brethren, — As  I  make  no  doubt 
but  Satan  is  daily  preparing  for  you  new  assaults,  and  along 
with  his  agents  devising  every  means  to  make  you  lose  heart; 
in  like  manner,  if  I  were  more  able  for  the  task,  I  should 
wish,  on  my  part,  to  lay  myself  out  to  strengthen  your  cour- 
age. But  on  your  own  part,  without  waiting  to  be  stirred  up 
by  others,  you  should  be  diligent  to  take  up  arms,  and  hold  your- 
selves in  readiness  long  beforehand,  to  the  end  that,  whenso- 
ever it  shall  please  God  to  make  trial  of  your  faith,  you  may 
have  wherewithal  to  answer,  and  not  be  taken  by  surprise. 
For  this  purpose  }"ou  know  what  need  you  have  of  continual 
exercise,  for  there  is  no  one  who,  after  self-examination,  does 
not  feel  more  and  more  convinced  of  his  weakness ;  and  such 
is  the  rage  of  the  enemies,  that  well  might  the  most  valiant 
tremble,  if  they  were  not  thoroughly  fortified.  But  it  is  well 
■for  us  that  the  remedy  is  certain,  and,  what  is  more,  that  we 
have  not  far  to  go  to  search  for  it.  So  then  take  refuge  in 
Him  who  is  our  stronghold,  and  whatever  fall  out,  beware  of 
dispersion,  which  can  only  bring  ruin  upon  you.     If  any 

1  Letter  without  an  address,  written,  according  to  the  most  probable  of  our  conjec- 
tures, to  the  Church  of  Paris.  This  church,  the  origin  of  which  is  contemporary 
with  that  of  the  Reformation  in  France,  and  whose  history  is  one  continued  niartyr- 
ology  from  the  burning  of  James  Pavannes,  and  Louis  de  Berquin,  down  to  that  of 
Anne  Dubourg,  owed  its  first  increase  to  the  learning  of  Le  Fevre  d'Etaples,  the  zeal 
of  Farel,  and  the  preaching  of  Gerard  Roussel,  Calvin,  and  Courault.  Protected 
before  the  affair  of  the  Placards  by  Margaret  of  Valois,  persecuted  afterwards  with 
extreme  rigour  by  Francis  I.,  and  Henry  II.,  the  partizans  of  the  Reformed  faith  long 
assembled  in  secret,  as  we  learn  from  a  narrative  in  manuscript  of  that  period  :  "  We 
have  long  lain  hid  in  our  private  dwellings,  in  woods,  and  eaves,  and  night  has  often 
protected  us  in  our  hiding  places."  It  was  only  in  1555,  that  the  Church  of  Paris, 
encouraged  by  the  increasing  number  of  its  members,  elected  a  minister,  and  pre- 
pared itself  by  a  solid  organization  for  the  glorious  part  it  was  destined  to  play. 
Beza.  Hist.  Eccl.  torn.  i.  L.  1.  passim.  Hist,  des  Martyrs,  L.  ii.,  and  M.SS.  of  Paris 
and  Geneva. 


128  THE   CHURCH   OF   PARIS.  [1555. 

keep  themselves  apart  from  their  fellows,  if  there  be  neither 
flock  nor  assembly,  then,  rely  upon  it,  you  are  on  the  point 
of  falling  a  prey  to  the  wolf.  Now  there  is  no  better  remedy 
to  help  your  frailty  than  mutual  exhortation  and  encourage- 
ment. I  am  well  aware  that  thus  you  may  whet  the  rage  of 
the  enemies,  because  hearing  already  that  you  are  spoken  of, 
they  are  lying  in  wait,  their  attention  fixed  on  you.  But 
there  is  no  better  buckler,  bulwark,  or  rampart  against  their 
cruelty,  than  to  invoke,  with  one  accord,  Him  who  has  pro- 
mised to  be  in  the  midst  of  those  who  are  met  together  in  his 
name.  Beware  of  depriving  yourselves  of  such  a  privilege,  to 
wit,  that  of  trusting  yourselves  to  the  keeping  of  so  good  a 
Shepherd,  who  will  never  desert  his  sheep,  if  they  will  buj 
hear  his  voice,  and  rally  round  his  crook.  Do  not  imagine, 
my  brethren,  that  I  speak  as  a  man  exempt  from  all  anxiety 
on  your  account.  I  ponder  the  dangers  to  which  you  are  ex- 
posed. But  certes  we  should  do  God  this  honour,  to  make 
more  account  of  his  protection  than  of  all  the  devices  of  Sa- 
tan and  his  followers.  Moreover  we  shall  never  be  fit  for  the 
service  of  God,  if  we  look  not  beyond  this  fleeting  life.  True 
it  is,  the  time  seems  long,  especially  during  these  very  griev- 
ous trials  and  persecutions  of  the  children  of  God.  But  when 
we  tend  heavenwards,  and  have  rightly  tasted  of  celestial 
joys,  we  shall  have  a  haven  in  view  to  draw  us  on,  not  only 
a  few  steps,  but  across  an  ocean,  however  vast  and  fathomless. 
Thus,  my  brethren,  let  us  continually  raise  our  thoughts  to 
that  everlasting  inheritance,  so  as  to  despise  this  perishable 
life  and  all  its  vanities.  But  since  on  this  subject  you  daily 
receive  excellent  and  pious  instructions,1  and  as  each  of  you, 
I  presume,  by  reading  and  other  means  provokes  himself  to 
his  duty,  I  shall  bring  my  letter  to  a  close,  the  rather  that  it 
is  enough  for  me  to  have  reminded  you  that  I  hold  you  in 
remembrance  as  is  my  duty.  Even  if  I  had  been  more 
concise,  the  bearer  will  be  able  to  give  you  ampler  details 

1  The  Reformed  brethren  of  Paris  had  elected,  for  their  pastor,  John  Le  Macon, 
says  La  Riviere,  to  whom  was  adjoined  a  gentleman  of  Forez,  Anthony  de  la  Roche 
Chandieu,  scarcely  twenty  years  old.  This  minister  La  Roche  is  mentioned  by  Beza, 
Hist.  Eccl.  torn.  i.  p.  32. 


1555.]  THE    DUCHESS    OF    EERRARA.  129 

than  the  longest  letter  could  contain.  Whereupon,  my  dear 
and  honoured  brethren,  having  commended  myself  to  your 
prayers,  I  entreat  our  heavenly  Father  to  have  you  in  his 
keeping,  to  give  you  increase  in  all  good,  to  strengthen  you 
with  a  constancy  not  to  be  overcome,  and  direct  you  unto 
the  end  according  to  his  will.  My  brethren  likewise  salute 
you. 

[Fr.  copy. — Eccl.  Arch,  of  Berne,  vol.  vi.  p.  383.] 


CCCLXXXIV.— To  the  Duchess  of  Ferrara.1 

He  exhorts  her  to  make  a  courageous  display  of  her  faith  in  persecution. 

2nd  February  1555. 

Madam, — As  I  have  had  no  news  of  you  except  by  flying 
rumours,  since  it  has  pleased  God  to  make  trial  of  your  faith, 
I  am  quite  at  a  loss  what  to  write  to  you.  I  would  not,  how- 
ever, let  slip  the  excellent  opportunity  offered  me  by  the 
bearer.  I  was  even  extremely  sorry  to  learn  that  a  short  time 
ago  a  person  passed  by  here  without  letting  me  know,  who 
most  assuredly  would  have  taken  charge  of  my  letters  for  you. 
For  since  the  afflictions  with  which  you  have  been  visited,  I 
know  not  whom  to  trust  to,  and  however  much  in  doubt  I 
was  concerning  the  issue  of  your  distress,  having  no  such 
certain  information  as  I  could  have  desired,  I  was  indeed 
deeply  grieved  to  have  no  means  of  writing  to  you.  And  as 
even  up  to  this  moment,  I  am  far  from  having  satisfactory 

1  See  p.  50,  and  SS.  Persecution  was  raging  at  Ferrara.  Neither  age,  sex,  nor 
rank,  escaped  its  fury.  On  the  7th  of  September,  1554,  at  the  instigation  of  the  king 
of  France,  Henry  II.,  and  Pope  Julius  III.,  the  Duchess  of  Ferrara,  declared  guilty  of 
the  crime  of  heresy,  was  carried  off  from  her  palace,  separated  from  her  children,  and 
subjected  to  a  rigorous  confinement  in  the  old  castle  of  Este.  She  owed  the  recovery 
of  her  liberty  to  an  act  of  weakness,  which  Calvin  deplored,  and  which  was  speedily 
followed  by  one  of  repentance.  Under  the  impression  of  this  melancholy  event,  the 
Reformer  wrote  to  Farel  : — "  Of  the  Duchess  of  Ferrara  a  sad  report,  but  better  con- 
firmed than  I  could  wish,  says  that,  overcome  by  threats  and  reproaches,  she  hns 
fallen  off  from  her  profession.  What  can  I  say  but  that  an  example  of  constancy  ij 
a  rare  thing  among  princes  ?"  Nov.  1, 1554. — See  Le  Laboureur,  Addition  anx  memoires 
de  Michel  de  Castelnaud,  torn.  i.  p.  717  ;  and  Muratori,  Antichita  Estensi,  torn.  ii.  p.  391. 

17 


130  THE    DUCHESS    OF    FEERARA.  [1555. 

accounts  of  your  state,  I  only  send  you  word  for  the  present, 
that  I  shrewdly  suspect  you  have  been  obliged  to  swerve  from 
the  strait  path,  in  order  to  comply  with  the  world ;  for  it  is 
an  evil  sign  when  those,  who  have  waged  with  you  so  relent- 
less a  war  to  turn  you  aside  from  God's  service,  now  leave 
you  at  peace.  And  indeed  the  devil  has  so  triumphed  over 
us,  that  we  have  been  constrained  to  groan  over  it,  hold  down 
our  heads,  and  make  no  further  enquiries.  For  the  rest,  Ma- 
dam, as  our  heavenly  Father  is  ever  ready  to  admit  us  to  his 
mercy,  and  when  we  have  fallen  holds  out  a  hand  to  us  that 
our  falls  prove  not  mortal,  I  entreat  you  to  take  courage,  and 
if  the  enemy  on  one  occasion  has  had  some  advantage  over 
you,  because  of  your  infirmities,  let  him  not  boast  as  of  a  vic- 
tory completely  won,  but  feel  that  those  whom  God  has  raised 
up,  have  a  two-fold  strength  to  stand  against  all  assaults. 
When  you  reflect,  Madam,  that  God,  in  humbling  his  children, 
has  no  wish  to  cover  them  with  shame  for  ever,  that  considera- 
tion will  make  you  hope  in  him,  to  the  end  that  you  may 
quit  yourself  more  courageously  in  time  to  come.  Certes,  I 
am  convinced  that  the  same  attacks  which  caused  you  to  back- 
slide, will  be  again  ere  long  renewed,  but  I  pray  you  to  think 
how  much  you  owe  to  Him,  who  has  ransomed  you  at  such 
cost,  and  daily  invites  you  to  his  heavenly  inheritance.  He 
is  not  a  master  in  whose  service  we  should  be  niggardly,  and 
especially  when  we  consider  the  issue  of  all  the  opprobrium 
or  affliction  we  have  to  suffer  for  his  name.  Call  upon  him, 
trusting  that  he  is  sufficient  to  help  our  infirmities,  and  medi- 
tate on  those  noble  promises  which  are  to  exalt  us  by  the 
hope  of  glory  in  the  heavens.  For  the  foretaste  alone  should 
make  us  forget  the  world,  and  trample  it  under  our  feet.  And 
to  prove  that  the  desire  of  glorifying  God  is  increased  in  you, 
or  at  least  is  no  wise  deadened,  bethink  yourself,  Madam,  in 
God's  name,  not  only  how  to  bear  testimony  to  him  in  your 
person,  but  also  so  to  order  your  household,  that  the  mouths 
of  evil  speakers  be  closed.  I  trust  you  have  not  forgotten 
what  I  wrote  to  you  some  time  ago,  to  my  great  regret,  but 
from  the  respect  T  bear  you,  and  the  zeal  I  have  for  your  sal- 
vation; though  at  the  same  time  I  must  put  you  in  mind,  that 


1555.]  BULLIXGER.  131 

I  never  enjoined  any  one  to  breathe  a  syllable  about  it  to 
you.  What  is  more,  I  took  special  care  not  to  give  any 
tokens  of  having  lent  the  least  credit  to  so  many  reports  that 
I  was  obliged  to  listen  to.  And  that  the  person  who  has  so 
impertinently  vexed  you,  might  have  no  longer  an  opportu- 
nity of  scattering  his  firebrands,  I  inform  you  I  have  taken 
great  pains  to  moderate  his  folly,  without  however  having 
been  able  to  succeed.  What  is  more,  he  broke  out  into  invec- 
tives against  me  for  wishing  to  restrain  him.  The  individual 
is  an  Italian,  named  Mark.  For  the  rest,  Madam,  I  entreat 
you  to  be  on  the  watch  not  to  give  a  handle  to  such  calum- 
nies. Madam,  having  commended  myself  to  your  gracious 
favour  I  implore  our  merciful  Father  to  have  you  in  his 
keeping,  to  strengthen  your  hands,  to  increase  in  you  the 
gifts  of  his  Spirit,  and  cause  them  to  redound  to  his  honour. 
Your  most  humble  servant, 

Charles  D'Espeville. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107.] 


CCCLXXXV.— To  Btjllinger.1 

Congratulations  and  thanks  on  the  subject  of  the  Christian  hospitality  offered  to  the 
refugees  of  Locarno. 

Geneva,  3d  February  1555. 

Because  in  this  remarkable  office  of  humanity,  which  your 
most  illustrious  senate  has  discharged  towards  exiled  and  af- 
flicted brethren,  there  is  displayed  a  bright  and  singular  ex- 
ample of  piety;  though  it  may  be  forgotten  by  the  base  in- 
gratitude of  the  world,  yet  in  the  sight  of  God  it  will  never 
cease  to  be  remembered.  To  me  it  is  not  doubtful  that  some 
rare  blessing  of  God  awaits  your  city.     Because  to  those  who 

*  See  p.  114.  The  Protestants  of  Locarno  received  at  Zurich  the  kindest  welcome, 
as  the  following  fragment  of  a  letter  from  Bullinger  to  Calvin  testifies  :  "  The 
Church  of  Locarno  has  been  assembled  by  the  illustrious  magistracy  of  our  city.  The 
Church  of  St.  Peter  has  been  granted  to  them.  M.  Bernardino  Oehino  has  been  called 
to  be  pastor  of  the  exiled  church.  The  men  who  have  come  among  us  are  honourable. 
Our  townsmen  love  and  cherish  them."  14th  June  1555.  The  number  of  the  refugees, 
of  which  the  list  is  preserved  in  the  Archives  of  Zurich,  amounted  to  no  less  than  225. 


132  BULLINGER.  [1555. 

are  in  distress  and  perplexity,  neither  your  counsels  nor  your 
earnest  assiduity  to  encourage  and  console  have  ever  failed, 
because  you  have  fulfilled  the  duties  of  us  all,  I  for  my  own 
part  offer  you  my  most  heartfelt  thanks.  Farewell,  most  ac- 
complished sir,  and  ever  honoured  brother.  The  warmest 
salutations  to  your  fellow  pastors,  and  your  family.  May  the 
Lord  continue  to  govern  and  protect  you  all. 
[Calvin's  Lett.  Corresp.    Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  107.] 


CCCLXXXYL— To  Bullinger.1 

Recommendation  of  Francis  Lisinannini,  who  was  on  his  way  to  Poland. 

Geneva,  9th  February  1555. 

If  M.  Francis  Lismannini  came  among  you  from  any  other 
part  of  the  world,  without  my  recommendation,  you  would 
welcome  him  in  your  usual  manner,  courteously  and  kindly 
as  his  virtues  deserve.  But  when  he  has  long  lived  among 
us,  and  even  married  a  woman  of  the  country,  it  would  be 
absurd  if  he  should  visit  you  without  a  letter  from  me.  "What 
manner  of  man  he  is,  and  what  kind  of  life  he  has  hitherto  led, 
you  will  learn  much  better  from  himself.  For  he  is  both  up- 
right and  altogether  exempt  from  false  pretensions,  and  will 
bring  with  him  testimonies  which  will  lend  credit  to  his 
words,  But  as  the  man,  not  otherwise  very  robust,  has  found 
the  climate  in  these  parts  unfavourable  to  him,  that  he  may 
not  have  to  struggle  continually  with  bad  health,  he  has  de- 
termined to  try  a  change  of  situation.  But  nowhere,  as  he 
thinks,  could  he  take  up  his  abode  more  conveniently  than 
among  you.  As  among  us  he  has  always  conducted  himself 
peaceably  and  honourably,  so  we  hope  he  will  prove  a  tranquil 
guest  among  you.  If  he  could  get  rid  of  that  complaint  which 
a  new  and  unaccustomed  manner  of  living  has  occasioned,  his 

1  See  the  letter,  p.  110.  It  appears  that  the  departure  of  Lismannini  for  Poland 
had  been  put  off.  He  left  Geneva  in  the  month  of  February  1555,  furnished  with  let- 
ters of  recommendation  for  the  principal  ministers  of  Zurich,  where  he  prolonged  hia 
stay  till  the  year  1556. 


1555.]  NICHOLAS   RADZIWILL.  133 

labours  would  be  of  no  small  service  in  promoting  the  king- 
dom of  Christ;  in  which  matter  I  doubt  not  but  you  will  lend 
bim  faithful  aid.  With  regard  to  my  answer  to  the  king  of 
Poland,  of  which  his  servant  had  spoken  to  you,  it  is  not  such 
as  to  excite  so  greatly  your  desire  to  see  it.  For  I,  who 
know  the  disdain  of  princes,  touched  very  briefly  only  on 
those  points  about  which  I  had  been  consulted.  If,  how- 
ever, you  desire  to  waste  half  an  hour  in  a  perusal  of  it,  Lis- 
mannini  himself,  I  believe,  has  carried  a  copy  along  with  him, 
which  he  will  place  at  your  service.  It  is  the  only  copy  that 
has  slipped  from  me.  The  excellent  man,  when  he  arrived 
among  you,  was  very  anxious  how  he  should  excuse  himself 
to  you,  because  having  been  received  by  you  with  so  many 
marks  of  respect,  when  he  passed  through  your  country  he 
had  been  deficient  in  due  courtesy.  Now,  because  he  kept  re- 
peating the  same  thing,  I  have  told  him  to  make  his  mind 
easy  on  that  account.  Farewell,  most  accomplished  sir,  and 
ever  honoured  brother.  May  the  Lord  always  stand  by  you, 
govern  and  protect  you,  along  with  yqur  family.  You  will 
salute  your  fellow  pastors  in  our  name. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lot.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich.     Gest.  vi.  166,  p.  22.J 


CCCLXXXVIL— To  Nicholas  Eadziwill.1 

He  exhorts  him  to  make  the  most  strenuous  efforts  for  the  complete  reformation  of 

Poland. 

Geneva,  Vith  February  1555. 

I  am  not  ignorant,  most  illustrious  prince,  that  it  is  a  very 
bold  step  for  me,  a  man  of  mean  birth  and  of  almost  no  repu- 

1  To  that  right  honourable  nobleman,  the  most  illustrious  prince,  Nicholas  Radzi- 
will,  Duke  in  Olika  and  Niessin,  Palatine  of  WiLna,  high  Marshal  and  Archchancellor 
of  the  grand  duchy  of  Lithuania. 

Nicholas  Radziwill,  one  of  the  most  distinguished  nobles  of  Poland,  the  friend  and 
confidant  of  king  Sigismund  Augustus,  publicly  adopted,  in  1553,  the  Reformed  doc- 
trines which  he  disseminated  in  Poland.  Desirous  of  contributing  more  efficaciously 
to  the  progress  of  pure  religion,  he  caused  to  be  translated  and  printed  at  his  own  ex- 
pense, the  first  Protestant  Bible  in  Poland.     This  Bible  in  folio  beautifully  printed  is 


134  NICHOLAS    RADZIWILL.  [1555. 

tation  in  the  world,  to  address,  by  letter,  a  personage  placed  as 
you  are  in  the  very  highest  rank.  Yet  trusting  not  only  to 
your  urbanity,  but  also  and  principally  to  your  piety,  that 
permission  to  do  so  will  not  be  refused  me,  I  shall  not  employ 
any  loug  preamble  in  soliciting  it.  For  though  my  condition 
is  obscure,  yet  as  you  recognize  in  me  one  of  the  ministers 
of  Christ,  from  your  veneration  for  the  Master  himself,  I  shall 
be  allowed  to  have  access  to  your  highness.  My  zeal  besides, 
which  corresponds  so  well  with  your  holy  desires,  will,  I  am 
confident,  be  so  approved  of,  that  without  any  other  recom- 
mendation it  will  procure  me  sufficient  favour  with  you. 
When  it  is  my  wish  that  the  kingdom  of  Christ  should  flour- 
ish every  where,  yet,  at  the  present  moment,  Poland  deservedly 
occupies  my  thoughts  with  a  very  special  anxiety.  For  from 
the  time  that  the  light  of  a  purer  doctrine  began  to  dawn  upon 
it,  this  happy  beginning  has  at  the  same  time  inflamed  my 
desire  with  the  hopes  of  a  better  progress.  Besides,  were  you 
merely  possessed  o;'  that  authority,  which  you  derive  from 
your  high  rank,  for  promoting  the  state  of  true  piety,  that 
circumstance  alone  would  afford  me  a  just  motive  for  exhort- 
ing and  stimulating  you,  not  to  be  a  wanting  to  your  high 
calling,  by  withdrawing  from  your  duties  towards  the  Lord. 
But  when  you  are  perfectly  inclined  to  protect  true  piety,  nay, 
when  with  heroic  greatness  of  mind  you  shew  that  the  protec- 
tion of  it  has  been  undertaken  by  you  seriously  and  faithfully, 
this  courage  of  yours  justly  encourages  me  to  render  you 
thanks,  and  furnishes  me  matter  for  greater  confidence. 
"Wherefore  I  do  not  simply  entreat  you  to  continue  to  be  like 
yourself,  but  even  that  vying  with  yourself  you  should  strive 
for  the  noblest  victory  of  all.     By  many  proofs  you  daily  ex- 


well  known  to  the  lovers  of  rare  books,  by  the  name  of  the  Radziwillian  Bible.  The 
son  of  Nicholas  Rndziwill,  having  returned  to  the  Catholic  faith,  bought  up  for  5000 
ducats,  all  the  copies  which  he  could  procure,  and  had  them  burned  on  the  market- 
place of  Wilna,  in  order  to  repair,  he  said,  as  much  as  it  was  in  his  power,  the  evil 
which  his  father  had  done  to  the  Catholic  Church  by  this  publication.  This  Bible  was 
dedicated  to  king  Sigismund  Augustus,  whom  Radziwill  adjured  in  the  most  energetic 
language  to  abjure  the  errors  of  Rome.  He  died  too  soon  (1565)  to  exercise  over  his 
sovereign,  and  in  his  country,  the  Evangelic  influence  to  which  he  sootncd  c»U«4. 
Krasinski,  Hint,  des  Pouples  Slaves,  p.  145,  146. 


1555.]  NICHOLAS   RADZIW1LL.  135 

perience,  I  am  not  afraid  that  this  advice  will  be  superfluous. 
Unquestionably  you  see  that  it  is  a  work  of  immense  difficulty 
to  establish  the  heavenly  reign  of  God  upon  earth.  You  also 
see  by  how  many  obstacles  Satan  endeavours  to  impede  or 
retard  it,  nay,  by  how  many  devices  he  from  time  to  time 
labours  secretly  to  sap,  or  openly  to  overthrow  whatever  has 
been  commenced  in  this  holy  edifice.  You  ^ee,  in  fine,  with 
what  indifference  that  cause  is  treated,  which  ought  not  only 
to  occupy  the  chief  place  among  our  cares,  but  even  absorb 
all  our  thoughts.  This  last  fault  arises  from  the  sentiment, 
which  almost  all  men  entertain,  that  the  pains  which  they  be- 
stow on  Christ's  service  are  purely  gratuitous,  and  hence  they 
turn  their  attention  to  other  occupations,  from  which  honours 
and  emolument  are  held  out  as  the  reward  of  their  labours. 
But  U  belongs  to  your  wisdom,  most  illustrious  prince,  to  re- 
flect first  that  you  pay  nothing  to  God,  which  he  may  not 
claim  as  justly  due  to  him,  and  that  not  only  because  you 
stand  indebted  to  him  for  every  thing,  but  because  he  has 
bound  you  to  himself,  so  much  the  more  as  he  has  raised  you 
to  higher  dignit}';  next  that  no  vulgar  prize  is  proposed  to 
you  by  him,  when  he  says:  Those  who  do  honour  to  me,  them 
in  my  turn  I  will  load  with  honours.  Therefore  that  he  may 
continue  to  maintain  the  state  of  your  house  secure  and  last- 
ing, strive  as  much  as  is  in  your  power  to  spread  the  glory 
of  his  reign.  And  though  I  understand  that  his  most  serene 
majesty  is  rather  favourably  disposed  to  the  good  cause,  yet 
as  in  the  embarrassed  state  .of  affairs  you  see  that  he  proceeds 
too  slowly,  remember  that  this  task  is  divinely  imposed  on 
you,  viz.,  not  only  to  be  the  companion  and  fellow  workman 
of  his  majesty,  but  also  to  stimulate,  and  where  necessity  will 
require  it,  to  outstrip  him.  For  he  will  not  be  offended,  I 
imagine,  to  be  urged  on  by  the  fervour  of  others  to  that  mark 
towards  which  he  is  aspiring.  Farewell,  most  illustrious 
prince,  whom  I  honour  with  the  most  perfect  devotedness. 
May  the  Lord  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  sustain  you  by  his 
strength,  and  long  maintain  intact  your  dignity. 
Ever  most  devoted  to  your  highness, 

John  Calvin. 

[Calvin's  Lat.  Corresp.     Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  99.] 


136  THE   LORDS   OF   BERNE.  [1555 


CCCLXXXVIIL— To  the  Lords  of  Berne. 

New  complaints  against  some  Bernese  ministers. 

Geneva,  ~ibth  February  1555. 

Eight  "worshipful,  puissant,  and  honourable  Lords, — 
After  presenting  to  you  our  humble  commendations  and  ser- 
vices, we  pray  you  to  excuse  us,  if  we  are  forced  to  have  re- 
course to  you  a  second  time.  We  trust  you  will  deign  to 
remedy  in  such  sort  the  scandals  of  which  we  complained 
heretofore,  that  we  may  be  able  to  serve  God  in  good  intelli- 
gence with  the  preachers  of  your  country,  and  that  your  own 
subjects  be  not  scandalized  by  the  slanderous  reports  that  are 
circulated  without  a  shadow  of  reason.  It  is  true  for  a  short 
time  we  had  hopes  that  the  evil  would  be  gradually  hushed 
up,  but  lately  we  find  that  we  have  been  deceived  in  our  ex- 
pectations, for  it  breaks  out  again  worse  than  ever,  and  to  such 
a  degree,  indeed  that  among  the  Papists  we  are  not  so  much 
defamed  as  in  some  parts  of  your  country.  As  far  as  we  are 
personally  concerned  we  should  feel  inclined  to  endure  these 
outrages,  were  it  not  that  by  them  the  name  of  God  is 
blasphemed,  the  gospel  disgraced,  the  weaker  brethren  troubled, 
and  the  malignant,  under  cloak  of  evil  speaking  against  in- 
dividuals, have  license  to  pervert  all  religion.  Thus  we  can- 
not wink  at  the  evil,  without  a  base  dereliction  of  our  duty. 
Now  we  doubt  not,  but  that  the  malevolent  persons  who  thus 
trouble  the  church  by  detracting  from  our  reputation,  carry 
their  insolence  so  far  as  to  din  your  ears  with  their  slanders, 
which  are  so  frivolous  indeed,  that  when  you  shall  be  pleased 
to  take  cognizance  of  them,  you  will  have  an  ocular  demon- 
stration of  the  wrong  which  they  do  us,  and  will  be  astonished 
at  their  effrontery.  What  is  more,  they  are  so  devoid  of 
shame  as  to  trump  up  stories  that  have  no  foundation  what- 
ever, and  thus  lay  themselves  open  to  detection.  We  desire 
not,  however,  to  be  protected  by  having  a  veil  thrown  over 
our  faults;  but  rather  we  demand,  if  we  shall  be  found  guilty, 


1555.]  THE   LORDS    OF   BERNE.  137 

that  neither  our  honour,  nor  even  our  lives,  should  be  spared. 
To  convince  you,  honourable  Lords,  that  we  seek  for  no  sub- 
terfuge, though  we  have  to  answer  for  our  lives  and  our  doc- 
trine, before  our  Lords  and  superiors,  nevertheless,  according 
to  what  we  have  always  protested,  even  by  the  first  leave  of 
absence  that  was  granted  us  at  our  instant  request,  we  are 
prepared  to  give  an  account  before  you,  of  every  thing  we  can 
be  reproached  with,  as  if  we  were  your  own  subjects.  Summon 
us  to  your  presence  when  you  please,  you  will  see  that  the 
goodness  of  our  cause  gives  us  confidence,  that  we  fear  not  to 
have  you  for  judges,  aware  as  we  are  that  ye  are  Christian 
Princes  who  will  not  suffer  the  truth  to  be  oppressed.  Let 
us  be  heard  only,  it  will  suffice  us.  And  since  the  question 
is  about  the  doctrine  we  maintain,1  we  implore  you  in  God's 
name  to  be  pleased  to  prescribe  some  suitable  ecclesiastical 
means,  either  by  synod  or  otherwise,  to  have  the  whole  in- 
vestigated, and  a  right  adjustment  determined.  We  are  con- 
fident that  you  will  find  our  demand  so  equitable,  that  you 
will  not  refuse  to  be  informed  on  what  side  is  the  wrong  or 
the  right.  For  even  if  we  did  not  require  it,  the  honour  of 
God,  the  peace  of  the  churches,  the  salvation  of  your  subjects, 
and  the  prosperity  of  your  state,  should  make  you  anxious  to 
adhere  to  it. 

Wherefore,  taking  it  for  granted  that  we  shall  be  admitted 
to  prove  our  integrity,  for  the  present  we  will  not  trouble 
you  with  a  longer  detail  of  what  will  then  be  sufficiently 
evident.  Only  we  beg  of  you  to  condescend  to  let  us  know 
your  good  pleasure.  And  hereupon,  right  worshipful,  puis- 
sant, and  honourable  Lords,  after  again  most  humbly  com- 
mending us  to  your  gracious  favour,  we  will  pray  our  heavenly 
Father  to  have  you  in  his  protection,  to  govern  you  by  his 
Holy  Spirit,  and  increase  you  in  all  good. 

Your  humble  servants,  the  ministers  of  the  word  of  God  in 
the  Church  of  Geneva. 

[Fr.  Copy.- — Arch,  of  M.  Tronchin  at  Geneva.] 

1  The  doctrine  of  predestination   preached  at  Geneva,  and  violently  attacked  by 
several  members  of  the  Bernese  clergy  in  the  Pays  de  Yaud. 
18 


138  THE   CHURCH   OF   POITIERS.  [1555. 


CCCLXXXIX. — To  the  Church  of  Poitiers.1 

Answer  to  the  accusations  brought  forward  by  M.  de  la  Vau,  a  disciple  of  Castalion, 
against  the  Church  of  Geneva — mention  of  the  book  de  Ha?reticis — eulogy  of  the 
exiles  of  England  and  Locarno — divers  particulars. 

Geneva,  20th  February  1555. 

My  dear  Seigneurs  and  Brethren, — Knowing,  as  I  do, 
that  you  stand  in  need  of  exhortations  and  consolations  in 
your  troubles  and  distresses,  I  had  rather,  if  the  choice  were 
in  my  power,  make  these  the  subject  of  my  letter,  than  frame 
excuses  to  justify  myself  individually,  as  well  as  the  whole 
body  of  the  church,  from  the  calumnies  which  one  M.  de  la 
Yau,  in  your  country,  lays  so  unjustly  and  slanderously  to 
our  charge.  For  it  may  seem  that  we  are  too  anxious  to  keep 
up  our  good  name,  and  that  it  would  be  better,  forgetting  our 
persons,  to  labour  for  your  instruction,  without  paying  atten- 
tion to  what  people  say  or  think  of  us.  Now,  I  confess  that 
we  should  patiently  endure  many  false  accusations,  and  hold 
our  peace  when  we  are  ill-spoken  of,  and  it  is  well  known 

1  Letter  without  an  address.  At  the  top  of  it  in  an  unknown  hand,  "To  a  calum- 
niated church."  But  this  title  is  incorrect,  the  letter  of  Calvin,  on  the  contrary,  being 
an  answer  to  calumnies  directed  against  the  Church  of  Geneva,  and  the  Reformer. 

To  what  church  is  this  letter  addressed?  Three  principal  motives  dispose  us  to 
believe  that  it  is  to  that  of  Poitiers  : 

1st.  We  know  by  the  testimony  of  Theodore  Beza,  (Hist.  Ecel.,  torn.  i.  p.  101.)  that 
in  the  year  1555,  the  newly  formed  community  of  Poitiers  was  disturbed  by  the 
preaching  of  a  disciple  of  Sebastian  Castalion,  "  renowned  for  his  heresies."  It  is  the 
same  personage  M.  de  la  Vau,  of  whom  Calvin  bitterly  complains,  and  whom  be  de- 
signates several  times  as  having  for  master  and  accomplice  a  fantastical  man  named 
Sebastian  Castalion. 

2nd.  The  minister  John  Vernou,  mentioned  by  Calvin  as  having  reproved  M.  de 
la  Vau  at  Geneva,  was  himself  a  native  of  Poitiers,  and  one  of  the  first  disciples  of 
the  Reformer  in  that  city. 

3d.  The  Reformed  Church  of  Poitiers  owed  its  origin  to  the  preaching  of  Calvin 
himself.  See  note  1,  p.  68.  It  is  what  the  Reformer  seems  to  recall  to  mind  in  the 
following  passage  : — "  I  shall  point  out  only  two  evils  which  might  happen,  if  we  dis- 
semble on  this  subject;  one  is  that  you  would  be  disgusted,  and  at  last  altogether 
alienated  from  the  doctrine,  that  you  hai'e  in  part  received  from  us,  since  it  has  pleased 
Ood  to  make  use  of  our  labours  for  your  salvation.  The  second  is,  that  wc  who 
ought  to  be  conjoined,  should  be  separated,  and,  as  it  were,  a  body  rent  in  pieces." 


1555.]  THE    CHURCH    OF    POITIERS.  139 

also  that  we  put  this  doctrine  in  practice;  otherwise  indeed 
we  should  be  forced  to  have  the  pen  always  in  hand,  consid- 
ering the  numbers  of  those  who  cease  not  to  asperse  us.  And 
without  going  further,  in  this  very  town,  abuse  and  murmurs 
against  us  are  abundantly  rife,  which  we  take,  however,  very 
quietly,  knowing  that  we  must  submit  to  them,  as  those  per- 
sons have  done,  who  without  comparison  were  more  worthy 
than  we,  and  that  it  is  on  these  terms  that  God  has  called  us 
to  his  service.  But,  because  the  poor  man  who  strives  to 
give  himself  importance  by  accusing  us,  may  to  a  certain 
extent  obtain  credit  among  some  of  you,  so  as  to  trouble 
them,  and  by  these  means  sow  the  evil  seeds  of  discord,  if  I 
did  not  endeavour  to  remedy  such  an  evil,  I  should  not  watch 
over  the  interests  of  your  salvation.  Indeed,  it  is  not  so 
much  the  man  who  is  carried  away  by  a  foolish  ambition,  as 
the  craft  of  Satan  who  is  devising  mischief,  that  I  now  con- 
sider. 

I  shall  only  point  out  two  evils  which  would  result  from 
our  silence,  did  we  not  speak  out  on  the  present  occasion. 
The  first  is,  that  you  should  be  disgusted  and  in  the  end  quite 
alienated  from  the  doctrine  which  ye  have  in  part  received 
from  us ;  since  it  has  pleased  God  to  make  use  of  our  labours 
for  your  salvation.  The  second  is,  that  we  who  ought  to  be 
joined  together  in  order  to  pray  God  for  one  another  should 
be  separated,  and  as  it  were,  a  body  rent  in  pieces.  Though 
that  poor  man  la  Vau  is  only  blinded  by  his  vain-glory,  so  as 
not  to  see  the  evil  and  detriment  which  he  occasions,  never- 
theless in  examining  attentively  a  letter  which  he  has  written 
among  you,  you  will  clearly  perceive  that  he  is  goaded  and 
led  on  by  Satan,  both  to  seduce  you,  in  destroying  the  fruits 
of  our  labour  which  aimed  at  the  advancement  of  your  salva- 
tion, and  to  dissolve  the  simple  union  which  we  should  strive 
to  maintain.  Now,  since  it  is  my  task  to  reply  to  a  man  who 
has  lived  among  you,  I  cannot  obviate  the  scandals  it  has  been 
his  purpose  to  stir  up,  without  briefly  adverting  to  some 
points  in  his  character. 

He  has  always  passed  among  judicious  persons  for  a  man 
of  such  extravagant  self-conceit  as  to  be  quite  ridiculous. 


140  THE   CHURCH    OF    POITIERS.  [1555. 

And  would  to  God  he  had  measured  himself  according  to  his 
capacity,  for  he  would  not  find  much  to  plume  himself  on. 
But  the  proverb  must  needs  hold  good  in  him,  "No  folks  so 
overweening  as  they  who  know  nothing."  Thus  that  most 
mortal  bane  of  the  church  of  God,  a  vainglorious  presumption, 
has  but  too  much  sway  over  him.  And  in  sooth  he  must 
have  a  double  band  over  his  eyes,  thus  to  go  on  warring  with 
his  nature  in  his  wish  to  play  the  doctor.  However  excellent 
a  servant  of  God  may  be,  so  much  the  more  should  he  walk 
in  fear,  knowing  that  he  has  nothing  of  himself,  and  conse- 
quently is  so  much  the  more  beholden  to  God  from  whom  he 
has  received  all ;  reflecting  too,  on  the  other  hand,  how  much 
he  falls  short.  But  if  one  who  has  nothing  to  justify  his  pre- 
tensions, is  mad  enough  to  wish  to  be  thought  a  great  man — 
this  looks  like  a  desire  to  do  it  in  despite  of  God  and  the 
world.  For  the  rest,  I  am  persuaded  this  poor  vain  creature, 
to  keep  up  his  reputation,  has  on  purpose  singled  out  for  his 
attacks  those  who  have  acquired  a  certain  renown  and  esteem 
among  the  children  of  God,  as  if  by  that  he  counted  upon 
passing  for  a  very  clever  man.  But  what  disgusts  me  is,  that, 
with  this  accursed  lust  for  fame,  he  is  become  so  impudent  a 
liar,  that  modest  people  cannot  but  blush  for  him.  It  is 
rather  my  wish  to  be  sober  in  speaking  of  him,  that  what  I 
say  may  fall  short  of  what  you  will  yourselves  learn  by  expe- 
rience. Thus  I  will  come  to  the  simple  fact,  remarking  only 
by  the  way,  how  foolish  he  shews  himself  while  seeking  to 
establish  his  renown.  He  boasts  of  having  separated  himself 
from  us.  He !  and  who  is  he  pray — by  himself,  and  with  his 
well  known  character — compared,  I  do  not  say  with  such  a 
society  as  God  has  here,  but  also  with  so  many  churches  to 
whom  he  makes  opposition  ?  For  the  question  is  not  about 
Geneva  alone,  but,  in  fine,  he  condemns  all  the  cities  where 
God  is  invoked,  in  order  to  draw  to  himself  greater  import- 
ance by  declaring  himself  the  enemy  of  all.  But  the  point  to 
be  ascertained  is,  whether  he  is  in  the  wrong  or  not. 

He  complains  that  after  his  arrival  in  this  city,  in  conse- 
quence of  some  reports  that  he  had  circulated  and  which  were 
not  to  our  liking,  he  was  looked  upon  unfavourably,  and 


1555.]  THE   CHURCH   OF   POITIERS.  141 

finally  summoned  to  appear  at  my  house  before  a  goodly 
number  of  people.  But  he  takes  care  not  to  mention  that 
these  reports  were  so  offensive,  as  to  give  great  scandal  to 
many  worthy  members  of  the  church,  both  men  and  women. 
Nor  does  he  mention,  how  he  had  consorted  with  all  the 
mangy  sheep,  had  gone  gadding  up  and  down  and  thrusting 
his  nose  into  every  dirty  puddle  where  he  thought  to  ferret 
out  a  piece  of  scandal  or  indecency — that  he  had  haunted  the 
company  of  all  those  who  were  ill-famed,  so  as  to  cross  the 
lake  in  quest  of  a  heretic  that  had  been  banished  from  our 
territory.1  He  does  not  mention  that  people  had  already 
begun  to  murmur  at  our  too  great  forbearance,  which  left  him 
at  liberty  to  spread  his  absurd  reports.  For  in  what  he  alleges 
of  Madame  la  Conseillere  de  Chinon,  that  she  was  stirred  up 
to  turn  him  suddenly  out  of  her  house,  no  other  testimony 
than  that  of  the  lady  herself  is  required  to  confound  him. 
And  what  wrong  did  we  do  him  in  calling  him  before  us? 
We  have  here  the  consistory,  before  which  we  summon  those 
who  will  not  submit  to  the  established  order.  We  might 
have  brought  him  before  it  from  the  first.  To  shew  him  some 
indulgence,  we  condescended  to  reason  with  him  in  a  private 
house.  He  complains  that  it  was  in  the  presence  of  many 
persons,  but  all  of  them,  as  we  pointed  out  to  him,  were  his 
friends,  his  countrymen,  and  who  felt  themselves  offended 
with  him;  and  the  whole  proceedings  were  intended  to  recon- 
cile him  with  those  whom  he  had  offended  by  his  scandalous 
reports,  and  who  had  already  tried,  though  they  only  lost  their 
time,  to  bring  him  to  reason. 

With  respect  to  his  complaint,  that  our  manner  of  proceeding 
was  not  according  to  legal  forms,  I  confess  we  did  not  send 
him  a  regular  summons,  but  we  did  him  but  too  much  honour 
in  dispatching  one  of  our  brethren  to  fetch  him.  And  in  that 
only  remark  the  malice  as  well  as  the  ingratitude  of  the  man, 
and  above  all  and  always  his  pride;  inasmuch  as  he  is  not 
satisfied  that  we  begged  him  to  come  to  us  to  hear  what  we 
had  to  communicate  to  him.     But  that  is  what  one  gains  by 

1  No  doubt  Jerome  Bolsec,  who  had,  at  that  time,  withdrawn  to  Thonon,  on  the  terri- 
tory of  the  Seigneury  of  Berne. 


112  THE   CHURCH   OF   POITIERS.  [1555. 

shewing  courtesy  to  a  boor.  In  reply  to  his  assertion  that  I 
reviled  him,  I  have  more  than  twenty- five  respectable  wit- 
nesses to  prove  that  not  one  angry  word  against  him  escaped 
my  lips.  On  the  contrary,  his  arrogance  placed  in  so  favour- 
able a  light  the  mildness  and  modesty  which  I  then  displayed, 
that  there  was  not  one  present  who  did  not  feel  nettled. 
Meanwhile  you  would  have  said  he  was  a  king  of  trumps,  to 
see  how  he  looked  down  upon  and  rebuffed  everybody.  I 
will  cite  but  one  example  of  his  insolence.  Our  brother, 
John  Vernou,1  quietly  and  mildly  remonstrated  with  him  on 
the  folly  in  which  he  persisted,  alleging  such  reasons  as,  if  the 
poor  creature  had  possessed  one  grain  of  sense,  would  have 
convinced  him.  For  his  pains,  la  Vau  told  him  that  he  was 
too  young;  whereupon  some  of  my  brethren  felt  themselves 
called  upon  to  say,  that  the  more  shame  it  was  to  him  that  a 
youth  had  been  for  him  so  good  a  master,  while  he  was  so 
pitiful  a  scholar.  And  yet  this  hair-brained  creature  has  the 
impudence  to  brag  that  he  beat  us  so  completely,  that  we  had 
not  a  word  to  answer.  Now,  on  the  contrary,  as  one  of  the 
articles  of  our  complaint  was,  that  he  blamed  me  for  having 
written  that  fathers  polluted  their  children,  in  presenting  them 
to  the  superstitions  which  are  prevalent  in  Popery,  we  alleged 
proofs  of  our  opinion  that  ought  to  have  more  than  satisfied 
him  ;  viz.,  that  the  name  of  God,  his  temple,  and  the  sacra- 
ments are  certainly  polluted  by  those  who  make  a  bad  use  of 
them  ;  and  just  as  the  father  sanctifies  his  child,  in  dedicating 
it  to  God,  so  he  defiles  it,  in  prostituting  it  to  superstitions 
that  ought  to  be  condemned.  He,  like  a  doctor  of  the  highest 
grade,  replies:  "These  then  are  your  reasons;  I  think  differ- 
ently." Here  I  could  not  avoid  saying  to  him  :  "I  believe, 
M.  de  la  Vau,  I  might  be  thought  to  have  almost  as  much 

1  John  Vernou,  a  student  at  the  university  of  Poitiers,  converter!  to  the  Reformed 
doctrines  by  the  preaching  of  Calvin,  during  the  stay  of  the  Reformer  in  that  town. 
He  afterwards  withdrew  to  Geneva,  was  admitted  to  the  functions  of  the  ministry, 
and  became,  in  1554,  pastor  of  the  Church  of  Augrogne  in  the  valleys  of  Piedmont. 
Surprised,  the  following  year,  at  the  defile  of  Tnmis.  in  Faucigny,  on  his  return  from 
a  journey  which  he  had  made  to  Geneva,  he  Buffered  martyrdom  at  Turin.  There 
exists  (Library  of  Geneva,  vol.  197  a.)  a  letter  of  John  Vernou  and  John  Lauversnt, 
ministers  of  Augrogne,  addressed  to  Calvin,  of  the  date  22nd  April,  1554. 


1555.]  THE   CHURCH   OF   POITIERS.  143 

authority  as  you  to  allege  what  I  think,  or  my  private 
opinion,  but  God  forbid  that  I  should  give  such  loose  to  my 
fantasies;  and  moreover  the  question  here  is  not  about  what 
one  weens  or  overweens,  but  simply  to  stand  by  what  God 
points  out  to  us.  But  after  all  he  preferred  being  impudent 
to  acquiescing  in  the  truth.  Indeed,  to  the  same  purpose,  I 
remember  how  about  four  years  ago  I  was  present  at  a  sup- 
per, where  he  foolishly  asserted,  that  in  the  resurrection  the 
children  of  God  would  be  equal  in  glory.  I  quoted  a  passage 
from  St.  Paul,  flatly  contradicting  that  opinion.  Seeing  him- 
self confuted,  he  was  not  ashamed  to  say  :  Well,  what  then? 
It  is  a  passage  of  St.  Paul.  What  is  to  be  done  with  so  fran- 
tic a  fool,  who  would  sooner  lift  up  his  horn  against  God, 
than  humble  himself  in  confessing  his  error? 

Already,  my  brethren,  you  partly  know  the  causes  of  this 
wild  beast's  separation  from  us.  I  call  him  a  wild  beast,  in 
order  that  we  may  pray  God  to  be  pleased  to  tame  him,  and 
bring  him  into  his  flock,  by  causing  him  to  feel  his  insignifi- 
cance. Xow  mark  whither  he  boasts  of  having  repaired.  He 
gives  out  as  his  accomplices,  a  fantastical  man  named  Sebastian 
Castalion,  joined  with  two  others,  who  are  public  lecturers  at 
B.ile.  If  it  is  his  intention  to  lend  credit  to  his  customers 
from  the  lustre  of  the  town,  what  derision  it  is  to  make  no 
account  of  all  the  ministers,  pastors,  and  likewise  doctors  of 
divinity  that  he  knows  to  be  joined  along  with  us!  But  in 
the  mean  time  he  forgets  to  mention  that  in  the  city  of  Bale, 
papers  and  books  of  his  Castalion,  in  which  an  attempt  was 
made  to  impugn  our  doctrine  touching  predestination,  have 
been  condemned  with  a  prohibition  to  publish  them  on  pain 
of  death.1  But  not  to  be  too  prolix,  I  will  tell  you  in  one 
word  that  the  three  personages  whom  he  mentions2  agree  like 

1  It  is  in  answer  to  these  attacks  that  Calvin  published  the  following  writing :  A 
short  reply  in  order  to  refute  the  calumnies  of  a  certain  scoundrel,  by  which  he  has 
attempted  to  throw  contempt  on  the  doctrine  of  God's  eternal  predestination.  1554. 
Translated  into  French,  and  inserted  into  the  Recueil  des  Opuscules,  p.  1776. 

3  The  three  personages  here  designed  are,  Sebastian  Castalion,  Martin  Borrh^e, 
and  Curione. 

••  At  Bale  there  are  three  professors,  whom  the  partisans  of  Calvin  openly  consider 
as  favourers  of  Servetus,  viz.,  Martin  Cellarius,  or  Borrht'e,  principal  professor  of 


144  THE    CHURCH   OF    POITIERS.  [1555. 

dogs  and  cats,  as  their  own  books  testify.  On  one  point  alone 
they  are  of  the  same  mind,  that  heretics  ought  not  to  be  pun- 
ished And  to  the  end,  no  doubt,  that  they  may  have  license 
to  disgorge  all  their  crude  opinions.  For  such  people  would 
be  delighted,  that  there  were  neither  law  nor  curb  in  the 
world.  That  is  the  reason  why  they  have  got  up  that  fine 
book,  De  non  comburendis  hcereticis,  in  which  they  have  forged 
the  names  both  of  towns  and  persons,  evidently  because  the 
book  is  stuffed  full  of  atrocious  blasphemies.  Among  others 
they  do  not  hesitate  to  say,  that  if  Jesus  Christ  will  have  us 
punish  those  who  blaspheme  him,  he  would  be  a  second  idol 
Moloch.1  I  say  nothing  of  their  fine  maxim:  that  all  contra- 
dictory discussions  should  be  allowed,  for  this  reason,  that 
there  is  nothing  certain  nor  determined,  and  that  the  Scripture 
is  but  a  nose  of  wax,  so  that  by  their  accounts,  the  faith  held 
by  all  Christians  respecting  the  Trinity,  predestination,  free 
grace,  is  quite  indifferent,  and  about  which  people  may  dispute 
as  much  as  they  like.  Nevertheless  his  assertion  about  the 
pursuit  we  have  instituted  to  bring  such  blasphemers  to  the 
gibbet,  is  I  assure  you  a  pure  falsehood.  But  I  should  like  to 
know  since  what  time  he  has  thought  fit  to  adhere  to  Castalion 
on  this  article,  for  when  he  lived  here,  without  being  required 
to  do  so,  he  stood  up  most  zealously  against  him.  And  he 
must  not  say  that  at  our  instance  he  was  solicited  by  a  friend 
of  his,  to  pump  out  the  secrets  of  those  with  whom  he  has  so 
suddenly  struck  up  an  acquaintance.  For  though  our  brother, 
Master  John  Vernou,  begged  him  in  a  familiar  way  to  let  him 


Theology,  Celio  Secundo  Curione,  and  Sebastian  Castalion,  professor?  of  Humanity." 
(Arch.  Eccl.  o/Bdle.) 

1  Here  is  the  incriminated  passage  of  Castalion's  book:  "For  who  would  wish  to  be- 
come a  Christian,  when  he  sees  that  those  who  confess  the  name  of  Christ,  are  murder,  d 
by  Christians,  by  fire,  by  water,  by  the  sword,  without  any  pity,  and  treated  more  cruelly 
than  robbers  or  murderers  ?  Who  tcould  not  think  that  Christ  was  a  Moloch,  <>r  some 
such  divinity,  if  he  icishes  men  to  be  sacrificed  to  him  and  burnt  alive?  Who  would 
wish  to  serve  Christ,  on  such  conditions  that  if  now,  amid  so  many  controversies,  lie 
is  found  at  variance  on  some  point,  with  those  who  have  power  and  dominion  over 
others,  he  should  be  burnt  alive  by  the  command  of  Christ,  still  more  cruelly  than  in 
the  bull  of  Phalaris,  though  even  from  the  middle  of  the  flames  he  should  invoke 
Christ  with  a  loud  voice,  and  cry  out  in  thundering  accents  that  he  believes  in  him  ?" 
Traicti  des  Heretiaues,  p.  20,  edit,  of  1554. 


1555.]  THE   CHURCH   OF   POITIERS.  145 

know  the  truth,  he  did  so,  only  because  he  believed  that  there 
was  no  foundation  for  the  common  rumour;  or  indeed,  be- 
cause he  thought  that  when  la  Vau  should  have  discovered 
them  to  be  the  authors  of  so  wicked  a  book,  without  more 
ado,  he  would  have  them  in  abhorrence.  Yet  as  all  this  was 
done  without  our  being  privy  to  it,  he  is  far  from  having  any 
pretext  for  accusing  us  of  subornation.  You  can  judge 
consequently  by  his  letter,  what  fine  lessons  he  has  learned  in 
this  new  school  to  defame  me,  and  our  whole  church.  He 
says  that  every  body  here  must  kiss  my  slipper.  I  believe 
you  have  sufficient  evidence  of  the  kind  of  pomp  with  which 
I  am  surrounded,  and  in  what  manner  I  desire  to  be  paid  court 
to.  I  am  quite  convinced  that  were  he  able  to  hold  my  place, 
he  would  shew  you  a  very  different  style  of  insolence.  For 
since  he  is  so  puffed  up  now  that  he  is  nothing,  raise  him  but 
one  step  higher  and  he  must  burst  outright.  But  he  only 
shews  what  a  venomous  animal  he  is,  being  so  spiteful  be- 
cause he  sees  every  body  here  living  in  good  intelligence. 
For  what  he  calls  kissing  my  slipper  is  that  people  do  not 
rise  up  against  me  and  the  doctrine  which  I  teach,  to  grieve 
God  in  my  person,  and  trample  him  so  to  speak  under  foot. 
Those  who  shew  themselves  so  hostile  to  peace  and  concord, 
prove  that  they  are  actuated  by  the  spirit  of  Satan.  He  re- 
proaches me  with  procuring  for  my  books  such  authority, 
that  not  even  the  most  venturesome,  nor  the  most  courageous 
dare  to  speak  ill  of  them.  To  that  I  reply,  that  indeed  the 
least  we  can  expect  is  that  the  Seigneurs,  to  whom  have  been 
entrusted  the  sword  and  authority,  should  not  permit  the  faith 
in  which  they  are  instructed  to  be  lightly  spoken  of  in  their 
own  city.  But  luckily  the  dogs  that  bark  so  lustily  after  us, 
are  unable  to  bite.  And  that  the  effrontery  of  this  man  may 
be  laid  open  in  every  thing  and  every  where,  learn  that  what 
he  has  said  of  one  Barbery  is  a  tissue  of  falsehoods.  It  is  true 
that  this  poor  Barbery,  not  to  mention  that  he  is  flighty,  was 
carried  away  by  vanity  and  ambition  to  spread  some  extrava- 
gant reports,  but  the  greatest  severity  that  was  ever  inflicted 
on  him,  was  to  remonstrate  with  him  on  his  faults  among 
ourselves.  And  though  he  has  several  times  relapsed,  one 
19 


146  THE    CHURCH    OF    POITIERS.  [1555. 

thing  is  so  certain  that  he  will  tell  you  so  himself,  we  have 
always  borne  with  him  as  with  a  little  child.  Besides,  he  has 
continued,  as  far  as  we  are  concerned,  to  live  here  unmolested, 
and  yet  la  Yau  would  have  you  believe  that  we  have  banished 
him  from  the  city.  God  forbid  that  I  should  seek  to  retaliate 
on  him,  for  besides  that  I  can  afford  according  to  the  world 
to  despise  him,  God  has  given  me  the  grace  to  be  callous  to 
such  detractions.  But  this  I  must  and  will  say,  that  it  is 
quite  as  lawful  for  me,  and  should  be  quite  as  much  allowed 
me,  to  be  zealous  in  maintaining  the  doctrine  which  I  propose, 
since  I  know  that  it  is  of  God,  as  it  is  for  him  to  claim  a 
license  to  plead  the  cause  of  his  belly.  For  in  point  of  fact, 
no  other  motive  impels  him  to  assume  so  many  false  disguises 
ingeniously  trumped  up,  but  the  single  one  of  finding  the  old 
cribs  where  he  was  wont  to  gorge  himself.  You  know  him, 
and  have  had  but  too  much  experience  of  him;  so  I  add  not  a 
word.  And  would  to  God  he  had  permitted  his  imperfections 
to  remain  hidden,  for  if  they  were  not  prejudicial  to  you,  I 
should  not  be  compelled  to  advert  to  them. 

Here  is  the  state  of  the  case  with  respect  to  his  calumnies 
against  the  Institution.  A  vain-glorious  man  like  himself,1 
wishing  to  play  the  doctor,  had  condemned  the  doctrine  con- 
tained in  that  book,  and  went  about  from  tavern  to  tavern  to 
decry  it.  I  came  forward  to  give  an  account  of  the  work,  and 
so  closed  his  mouth,  that  people  laughed  at  his  stupidity, 
though  he  himself  was  unabashed.  The  affair  having  made 
some  noise,  he  and  all  his  fellows  were  forbidden  to  circulate 
any  more  defamatory  reports  against  a  doctrine  sufficiently 
approved  of.  What  is  the  object  of  this  poor  man,  in  vexing 
himself  so  much  on  that  account  ?  None,  except  the  desire  that 
every  one  might  be  allowed  to  blaspheme  the  truth.  He  even 
accuses,  in  general,  all  those  who  agree  with  me,  without  stop- 
ping to  enquire  whether  it  is  in  good  or  in  evil.  Now  it 
would  have  been  but  fair  to  begin  by  ascertaining  what  my 
doctrine  is,  in  order  to  blame  with  justice  those  who  adhere 
to  it,  if  it  is  found  bad.     But  if  on  the  contrary  it  is  good,  to 

1  Allusion  to  Troillet.     See  the  letter  to  the  Seigneurs  of  Geneva,  of  the  6th  Octo- 
ber 1552.    Vol.  II.  p.  363. 


1555.]  THE   CHURCH    OF   POITIERS.  147 

shew  that  he  belonged  to  the  flock  of  Jesus  Christ,  he  ought 
to  have  acquiesced  in  it  peaceably,  rather  than  exasperate 
himself,  out  of  malignant  envy,  against  those  who  shew  them- 
selves docile  in  obeying  what  they  know  to  be  good. 

To  vex  you  and  draw  you  over  to  his  party,  he  distinctly  men- 
tions that  our  sole  consideration  and  study  is  to  attract  every 
body  to  Geneva,  as  if  in  that  forsooth  we  had  any  great  profit 
or  advantage.  He  should  first  have  shewn  what  impost  or 
tribute  I  raise  from  them.  For  it  will  be  difficult  for  him  to 
say  there  ever  was  here  any  other  receiver  but  himself.  But 
it  is  too  odious  a  falsehood  to  insinuate  that  we  condemn  all 
those  who  live  elsewhere.  As  if  I  had  not  written  that  those 
who  maintain  elsewhere  purity  of  doctrine,  are  much  more  to 
be  esteemed  than  we  who  enjoy  so  much  greater  liberty,  and 
as  if  daily  I  am  not  heard  insisting  on  that  very  topic.  I 
only  wish  that  he  felt  as  much  compassion  for  your  captivity 
as  I  do.  Not  that  I  boast  of  being  touched  by  your  suffer- 
ings as  keenly  as  I  ought,  in  order  to  groan  over  them  and 
pray  God  to  give  you  some  alleviation ;  but  well  I  know 
that  T  bestow  on  them  more  of  my  anxiety  and  sorrow  than 
he.  I  may  say  as  much  of  another  calumny  which  he  has 
propagated,  that  our  Christianity  consists  in  keeping  ourselves 
unpolluted  from  the  stain  of  Popish  superstitions.  Were 
there  nothing  else  than  the  four  sermons  which  he  labours  to 
vilify,  by  the  way  he  speaks  of  them,  we  see  clearly  that  he  is 
one  of  those  whom  God  has  given  over  to  a  reprobate  mind, 
a  race  that  call  white  black,  that  God  detests  and  curses  by 
the  mouth  of  his  prophet  Isaiah.  But  besides  that,  what  we 
preach  and  what  we  practise  is  well  known,  and  our  daily 
struggles  bear  ample  testimony  against  the  falsehood  and 
malice  of  this  poor  fool.  Nor  is  it  enough  for  him  to  have 
thus  slandered  us,  he  must  also  strive  to  ruin  in  general  every 
thing  that  has  been  accomplished  by  excellent  servants  of 
God  with  so  much  labour  and  difficulty.  The  whole  manner 
of  instruction  adopted  throughout  Germany  and  in  the  king- 
dom of  England,  he  disapproves  of.  It  is  not  the  less  on  that 
account  a  sweet  smelling  sacrifice  to  God.  And  though  the 
greater  part  have  made  a  bad  use  of  it,  still  despite  their  in- 


148  THE    CHURCH   OF    POITIERS.  [1555. 

gratitude,  the  fruits  of  it  have  appeared,  and  are  yet  evident 
at  the  present  moment.  And  how  humane  on  his  part,  for- 
sooth, to  reproach  the  poor  English  chased  up  and  down,  or 
self-banished  from  their  country,1  with  the  calamity  which  has 
fallen  out  for  the  sins  of  the  people !  The  preachers  who  had 
there  begun  to  establish  the  reign  of  Jesus  Christ,  have  lifted 
up  their  voice  like  true  prophets,  to  announce  that  such  an 
issue  was  to  be  expected,  and  yet,  this  coxcomb  lays  all  the 
evil  to  their  charge,  as  if  they  had  never  served  God.  Such 
hairbrained  busy-bodies  clearly  shew  that  they  are  proper  for 
destroying  every  thing  that  has  been  well  done.  I  should 
like,  however,  such  snappish  curs  as  he,  that  bark  in  ease  and 
idleness  on  their  own  dung  hills,  would  only  shew  us  what 
persons  they  have  ever  converted.  As  it  would  take  us  too 
long  to  exhaust  this  subject,  a  single  example  will  be  suffi- 
cient to  convince  you  of  the  baseness  of  this  man.  Wishing 
to  slander  those  who  withdraw  from  the  idolatries  of  Popery, 
he  produces  the  example  of  those  of  Locarno,2  whom  he  con- 
demns as  rash  and  inconsiderate.  Now  here  is  the  case, 
eighty  families  making  from  five  to  six  hundred  persons,  since 
somewhat  less  than  a  year,  have  declared  in  writing  to  the 
Canton  of  Schweitz,  to  which  they  were  subject,  that  their 
conscience  would  no  longer  suffer  them  to  have  fellowship 
with  the  corruptions  of  Popery.  Thus  after  having  made  a 
pure  and  simple  confession  of  their  faith,  to  which  they 
attached  the  signature  of  their  names,  they  required  of  their 
superiors  to  have  liberty,  by  a  formal  act  of  permission,  to 
serve  God  according  to  his  word.  Now  because  the  greatest 
number  of  voices  is  on  the  side  of  the  Papists,  they  were  con- 
demned as  mutinous  and  rebellious  subjects,  for  having  asked 
such  a  permission,  though  none  of  them  had  raised  so  much 
as  a  finger.     The  cantons  who  make  profession  of  the  gospel, 

1  The  premature  death  of  young  king  Edward  VI.,  6th  July,  1553,  and  the  acces- 
sion of  Mary,  brought  on  a  momentary  restoration  of  Catholicism  in  England.  The 
continent  was  covered  with  religious  exiles,  who  voluntarily  sacrificed  their  country 
to  their  faith.  Then  arose  the  Reformed  English  Churches  of  Frankfort  on  the  Maine, 
and  Geneva,  which  both  reckoned  among  their  ministers  the  most  illustrious  of  these 
exiles,  John  Knox  the  future  Reformer  of  Scotland. 

8  See  the  notes,  1,  p.  114,  and  1,  p.  131. 


1555.]  THE    CHURCH   OF   POITIERS.  149 

have  submitted  to  have  their  case  laid  before  arbiters.  The 
poor  people  of  Locarno,  threatened  with  the  stake,  patiently 
waited  for  the  issue  which  God  should  be  pleased  to  give 
them,  without  tumult,  without  attempting  any  thing.  In  a 
word  they  put  in  practice,  what  is  mentioned  in  the  psalm, 
they  have  been  like  sheep  led  out  to  slaughter.  Finally  they 
were  all  banished,  and  chose  rather  to  abandon  their  country, 
than  swerve  from  the  right  path,  having  the  option  to  do 
either.  Consider  now  if  the  cruelty  of  this  despiser  of  God 
should  not  seem  odious  in  your  eyes,  when  he  disgorges  his 
outrages  against  the  poor  brethren  who  have  been  thus  per- 
secuted. But  it  is  the  habitual  practice  of  this  fine  school, 
in  which  he  has  become  a  disciple  and  doctor  in  three  days, 
to  turn  into  derision  all  those  who  permit  themselves  to  be 
persecuted  for  conscience'  sake.  They  hold  it  to  be  enough 
to  live  like  a  good  pagan,  without  much  troubling  themselves 
about  all  that  respects  the  faith  and  service  of  God.  Fine 
phrases  to  extol  the  virtues ;  but  if  they  leave  in  the  back 
ground  the  faith  together  with  the  invocation  of  God's  name, 
they  pervert  all  order  and  place  the  plough  before  the  oxen. 

Above  all,  brethren,  beware  of  the  craft  of  Satan,  when 
such  folks  speak  to  you  of  the  excellence  of  their  lives. 
Their  intention  is  to  annihilate  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus, 
cheating  men  into  the  belief  that  they  have  no  need  of  the  re- 
mission of  their  sins ;  as  if  the  great  and  sovereign  virtue  of 
all  the  saints,  while  they  live  in  this  world,  Were  not  to  groan 
under  the  load  of  their  vices,  knowing  how  much  they  have 
fallen  short  of  the  mark.  It  is  not  without  reason  that  I 
speak  to  you  of  that,  for  this  model  of  virtue,  Castalio,  whom 
la  Yau  canonizes,  has  used  all  his  efforts  to  sow  this  mortal 
poison.  And  it  is  for  that  reason  that  he  reproaches  us  with 
not  bringing  men  to  holiness  of  life,  because  we  affirm  that  in 
us  there  are  always  many  infirmities  as  long  as  we  have  not 
laid  aside  the  covering  of  this  mortal  body,  so  that  we  must 
continually  take  refuge  in  the  mercy  of  God.  Now  accursed 
be  that  holiness  which  should  so  intoxicate  us  with  pride  as 
to  make  us  keep  out  of  sight  the  remission  of  our  sins.  But 
for  the  rest,  if  people  will  make  a  comparison,  I  leave  you  to 


150  THE    CHURCH    OF    POITIERS.  [1555. 

judge  which  party  labours  most  to  excite  men  to  the  fear  of 
God,  perfect  integrity,  patience,  and  in  a  word  to  newness  of 
life;  and  which  has  hitherto  set  about  such  a  work  most  effi- 
caciously— we,  or  la  Vau  and  his  accomplices.  For  with  re- 
gard to  the  reproach  he  briDgs  against  us  that  our  sermons  are 
but  so  many  pleasantries  in  which  we  do  nothing  but  fall  foul 
of  the  Papists,  never  blaming  the  vices  of  our  hearers,  the  best 
contradiction  of  it  will  be  found  in  the  copies  of  them  which 
are  every  where  disseminated.  I  did  not  compose  in  my 
room  the  two  and  twenty  sermons  on  the  octonary  psalm, 
(cxix.  psalm,)  but  they  were  printed  without  any  corrections 
such  as  they  were  taken  down  from  my  lips  in  the  temple.1 
In  these  you  see  our  style  and  manner  of  teaching,  in  which 
if  la  Vau  surpasses  us,  none  of  us  will  bear  him  any  ill  will. 
And  yet  with  what  effrontery  he  reproaches  us  with  having 
forgotten  the  doctrine  of  St.  Paul,  which  condemns  evil 
speakers  as  well  as  robbers !  Now  you  see  him  so  madly 
carried  away  by  his  lust  for  slander,  that  he  defames  the  good 
which  is  as  well  known  as  the  light  of  the  sun  at  midday. 
But  I  have  said  too  much  of  these  wearisome  rumours,  on 
which  I  should  never  have  dwelt  so  long,  if  I  had  not  been 
forced  to  it  by  necessity. 

To  conclude,  it  will  be  enough  for  me  to  have  vindicated 
our  church  from  the  false  reproaches  which  la  Vau  has  laid 
to  its  charge,  so  that  you  be  not  scandalized  in  us.  Should 
you  be  told  that  we  are  not  so  well  reformed  as  was  to  be 
desired,  we  should  not  be  disposed  to  deny  it,  provided  always 
that  you  be  not  disgusted  with  the  pure  doctrine,  nor 
alienated  from  us,  since  God  has  united  us  by  an  inseparable 
tie.  You  know  that  for  this  cause  St.  Paul  was  constrained  to 
boast  himself,  though  nothing  was  farther  from  his  wishes. 
Excuse  then  what  I  have  done,  if  you  are  convinced  that  it 
was  for  the  honour  of  God  and  your  own  edification  in  well 

1  "  Vingt-deux  Sermons  auxqueh  eai  exposi  le  Pa.  cxix.,  contennnta  pareil  nombre  de 
huietaint."  New  edition,  Geneva,  1562.  The  sermons  of  Calvin,  as  well  as  his  com- 
mentaries, were  collected  by  his  principal  editors,  Denis  Raguenau,  John  de  Bud^, 
Charles  de  Jonvillers,  Nicolas  des  Gallars,  etc.,  to  whom  was  afterwards  joined  Jamea 
Spifame,  formerly  bishop  of  Nevers. 


1555.]  BULLLXGER,  151 

doing.  Whereupon,  dear  lords  and  brethren,  having  most 
cordially  commended  myself  to  your  fervent  prayers,  I  sup- 
plicate our  heavenly  Father  to  have  you  in  his  holy  keeping, 
to  sustain  you  by  his  power,  to  increase  you  more  and  more 
in  the  grace  of  his  Spirit.  My  brethren  and  companions 
greet  you. 

Your  humble  brother, 


Johx  Calvin. 


[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Tol.  107.] 


CCCXC— To  Bulllxger.1 

New  difficulties  stirred  up  against  the  ministers  of  Geneva,  by  the  attacks  of  the  clergy 

of  Berne. 

Geneva,  2ith  February  1555. 

After  long  contests  the  right  of  excommunication  had  lately  j 
been  at  last  confirmed  to  us.  the  syndics  were  afterwards  elected 
.  in  a  quiet  meeting  and  were  such  as  we  desired.2  When  de- 
livered from  intestine  troubles  we  hoped  to  enjoy  a  little  re- 
pose, lo,  a  more  cruel  war  suddenly  threatens  us  from  the 
neighbourhood.  The  senate  of  Berne  has  not  only  absolved 
and  dismissed  in  liberty,  those  who  had  called  me  a  heretic,  J 
but  has  let  them  loose  armed  with  greater  ferocity  against  me 
aud  this  church.  We  in  the  mean  time,  having  suffered  such 
grave  injuries,  are  summoned  to  answer  to  criminal  charges. 
The  sum  of  the  whole  affair  is,  that  there  will  be  no  end  to 
discords,  until  discipline  be  wrested  out  of  our  hands,  and  our 
catechism  abolished.  Our  council  has  been  asked  to  curb  us 
severely.  I  feel  so  much  ashamed  of  their  brutality  that  I  can 
scarcely  even  slightly  touch  upon  the  things  which  are  too 
scandalous  to  be  mentioned.  What  would  they  do  if  they 
were  in  a  state  of  peace  and  security,  when  now  with  the  pro- 

1  To  struggles  at  home  succeeded  for  Calvin,  others  from  abroad.  While  he  had  to 
support  the  weight  of  the  Sacramentarian  quarrel  in  Germany,  he  saw  violently  at- 
tacked at  Berne  the  doctrines  and  religious  institutions  which  he  strove  to  make  pre- 
vail at  Geneva,  and  he  opens  his  heart  to  Bullinger  respecting  his  fears  and  anxieties 
for  the  future. 

2  The  Syndics  elected  were  John  Lambert,  Henry  Aubert,  Peter  Bonna,  John  Jesse. 


152  BULLINGER.  [1555. 

spect  of  an  uncertain  war  before  their  eyes,  they  rage  so  bit- 
terly against  innocent  men?  We  testified  that  we  were  ready 
at  an  hour's  warning  to  give  an  account  of  our  conduct.  We 
even  voluntarily  offered  to  make  themselves  the  judges  in  our 
case.  Our  proposal  is  refused.  In  the  mean  time  their  sub- 
jects are  forbidden  by  public  edicts  to  participate  in  the  Lord's 
supper  along  with  us.  Cease  now  to  wonder  at  the  barbarity 
of  the  Saxons,  when  from  hatred  towards  one  man,  who  would 
have  offered  his  neck  to  the  axe  a  hundred  times  to  restore 
peace,  the  churches  are  so  violently  torn  to  pieces.  Nothing 
however  distresses  me  so  deeply  as  that  by  these  omens  God 
openly  declares  his  vengeance.  Well  then,  that  they  may 
satiate  their  thirst  for  revenge,  I  shall  be  driven  into  exile,  if 
however  a  path  through  their  dominions  will  be  left  unclosed 
to  a  fugitive.  To  me  it  will  be  better  to  be  driven  from  their 
territory,  that  I  may  march  straight  to  the  place  where  I  shall 
be  butchered. 

May  the  Lord  from  heaven  repay,  as  I  trust  he  will,  to  your 
state  the  humanity  it  has  now  shewn  to  the  poor  people  of 
Locarno,1  and  stretch  out  his  hand  to  us  unjustly  oppressed. 
I  pour  these  complaints  familiarly  into  your  bosom  that  you 
may  aid  me  with  your  fervent  prayers,  for  my  heart  is  op- 
pressed with  heavy  sorrow.  And  yet  I  accuse  not  our  breth- 
ren, who,  I  know  for  certain,  abhor  these  counsels,  nor  would 
I  even  have  those  things  which  I  have  written  be  supposed 
to  glance  at  the  council,  which  only  suffers  itself  to  be  carried 
away  by  excess  of  credulity,  and  a  few  wicked  and  perfidious 
enemies.  In  the  mean  time  you  see  to  what  evils  we  are  re- 
duced. Farewell,  most  accomplished  sir,  and  venerable  bro- 
ther. May  the  Lord  continue  to  govern  you  by  his  Spirit, 
and  enrich  you  by  his  gifts.  Do  not  fail  to  salute  your  fellow 
pastors,  and  your  family. 

Most  affectionate  respects  to  M.  Lismannini,  whom  I  trust  and 
desire  to  have  arrived  in  safety  among  you. 

1  See  the  preceding  letter  p.  148. 


1555.]  FRANCIS   UNHARD.  153 


CCCXCL— To  Francis  Unhard.1 

He  apologizes  for  differing  from  Luther  in  claiming  the  rights  of  Christian  liberty — 
dedication  of  one  of  his  writings  to  the  Princes  of  Saxony. 

Geneva,  27th  February  1535. 

Your  letter,  most  renowned  sir,  though  the  subject  did  not 
permit  it  to  be  agreeable  or  delightful,  was,  for  that  very- 
reason,  so  grateful  to  me,  because  in  the  present  melancholy 
disunion,  it  shews  that  your  ancient  affection  for  me  is  not 
yet  entirely  obliterated  from  your  mind.  For  thence  I  con- 
ceive a  hope  that  you  will  make  an  effort,  as  far  as  it  will  be 
in  your  power,  to  calm  this  excessive  ebullition  of  fervour 
with  which  your  theologians  are  foaming.  Their  refusal  to 
accept  the  dedication  of  my  book,  I  confess,  disappointed  me, 
because  I  had  expected  that  such  a  homage  would  not  have 
been  displeasing  to  the  most  illustrious  princes.2  The  private 
affront,  however,  thus  put  upon  me,  caused  me  pain  only  in- 
asmuch as  it  involved  a  far  graver  and  public  insult  to  the 
church.  For  it  is  both  a  very  slight  loss  of  honour  to  me, 
and  I  have  long  since  become  callous  to  the  malignant 
and  unjust  judgment  of  the  world.  But  it  seems  too 
remote  from  the  usages  of  good  breeding,  not  to  say  inconsi.-tent 
with  that  meekness  which  Christ  recommends  to  his  disciples, 
to  reject  so  disdainfully  and  ill-naturedly  a  work  under- 
taken with  pious  zeal  and  useful  to  the  church.  If  they  had 
discovered  in  it  any  impious  dogma,  I  am  far  from  wishing, 
under  the  pretext  of  fair  dealing,  that  I  should  be  spared. 
Not    even    they    will   venture   to    reproach   me    with    that. 

1  To  the  very  renowned,  and  by  me  highly  respected  Francis  Unhard,  the  most  ex- 
cellent chancellor  of  the  most  illustrious  Dukes  of  Saxony. 

2  The  second  treatise  of  Calvin  on  the  Sacraments  was  dedicated  to  the  churches  of 
Saxony  and  Germany.  It  appears  that  this  homage  had  not  met  with  a  favourable 
reception  from  the  Princes,  for  whom  it  was  first  intended.  Such  moreover  was  the 
unpopularity  of  the  Calvinist  doctrine  in  Saxony,  that  the  Reformer  wrote  to  Farel: 
"  In  a  letter  of  our  excellent  friend  Martyr,  I  have  learned  that  the  Saxons  are  can- 
vassing measures  for  having  me  excommunicated.  If  they  break  out  into  this  act  of 
fury,  nothing  will  be  more  ridiculous,  and  even  without  my  breaking  silence  their 
purpose  will  defeat  itself." 

20 


154  FRANCIS    UXHARD.  [1555. 

But  we  do  not  agree  in  our  sentiments  about  the  Sacraments, 
because,  forsooth,  I  do  not  chime  in  with  them  to  the  letter  in 
their  coarse  forms  of  expression,  which  they  insist  on,  more 
from  obstinacy  than  reason.  For  I  will  not  grant  that  there 
is  any  of  them  who  commends  in  higher  terms,  the  efficacy, 
use,  and  intention  of  the  Sacraments,  who  sets  forth  more 
copiously  their  dignity,  who  in  a  word  conciliates  for  them 
more  respect.  But  because  a  short  explanation  of  this  cause 
which  the  bearer  will  offer  you,  will  clear  up  all  your  doubts, 
I  will  not  take  up  the  time  of  a  man  endowed  with  the  great- 
est judgment,  by  superfluous  discourse.  Eemains  now  another 
subject  of  complaint,  that  I  do  not  every  where  subscribe  to 
the  interpretations  of  Luther.  But  if  it  shall  no  longer  be 
permitted  to  each  interpreter  on  the  different  passages  of 
scripture  to  bring  forward  his  opinion,  into  what  a  depth  of 
servility  have  we  fallen?  Nay,  if  I  was  never  to  dissent  from 
Luther,  to  undertake  the  task  of  interpretation  was  absurd 
and  ridiculous.  This  was  the  point  to  be  examined,  whether 
I  had  eagerly  sought  after  different  meanings,  whether  I  had 
wantonly  attacked,  or  spitefully  carped  at,  or  insultingly  in- 
veighed against  him.  In  truth,  most  accomplished  sir,  if  your 
leisure  permitted  you  to  read  over  the  whole  book,  you  would 
find  in  it  nothing  of  the  kind.  On  the  contrary,  when  you 
shall  see  that  I  allude  slightly  and  reservedly  to  things  over 
which  any  one  else,  fond  of  ostentation,  would  have  noisily 
triumphed;  that  where  some  errors  have  been  committed  by 
others,  I  censure  them  with  due  respect  to  great  names  or 
without  scurrility;  and  that  I  even  bury  in  silence  many 
mistakes  unless  when  compelled  by  necessity  to  do  otherwise, 
you  will  have  reason  to  commend  both  my  moderation  and 
my  courteousness.  This  indeed  I  may  be  allowed  to  affirm, 
that  the  only  object  I  had  proposed  to  myself  was  to  consult 
the  benefit  of  my  readers,  who  are  but  too  prone  to  fall  into 
blundering  mistakes,  unless  they  are  warned  to  be  on  their 
guard.  Now  in  what  concerns  the  most  illustrious  princes, 
if  they  take  it  for  a  disgrace  that  their  name  should  be  prefixed 
to  my  book,  though  it  is  rather  late  to  repair  the  mischief, 
yet  whatever  you  shall  write  to  me  I  am  prepared  to  do,  rather 


1555.]  VALENTIN    PACJEUS.  155 

than  they  should  take  amiss,  what  by  me  was  intended  to  be 
a  mark  of  respect.  Farewell,  right  honourable,  and  by  me 
much  respected  sir.  May  the  Lord  always  stand  by  you,  sus- 
tain you  by  his  power,  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  and  enrich 
you  with  every  blessing. 

Ever  devoted  to  your  excellency, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 


CCCXCIL— To  Valentin  Pacjsus.1 

Description  of  the  tribulations  of  all  kinds  by  which  he  is  beset  at  Geneva — wishes 
for  the  reconciliation  of  the  churches. 

Geneva,  5f^  March  1555. 

In  most  affectionately  studying  to  mitigate,  by  some  words 
of  consolation,  the  very  sad  cares  which  not  a  little  afflict  me, 
in  exhorting  me  to  a  course  of  patient  endurance,  and  at  the 
same  time  not  to  suffer  myself  to  be  mixed  up  with  frivolous 
contests,  you  have  discharged  a  duty  which  is  very  grateful 
to  me,  my  most  worthy  and  disinterested  brother.  And 
would  that  in  the  manifold  variety  of  troubles,  I  had  that  apt- 
ness of  talent,  that  promptness  of  purpose,  that  greatness  of 
mind  which  were  so  much  to  be  wished  for.  This  however 
is  something,  that  though  severe  fluctuations  daily  exercise 
me,  nay,  though  serious  tempests  threaten  my  existence,  in 
which  it  seems  to  me  that  I  must  be  swallowed  up,  yet  I 
still  maintain  my  post  within  the  limits  of  the  stadium.  For 
it  is  scarcely  possible,  that  slipping  from  thoughtlessness,  I 
should  not,  at  some  time  or  other,  have  swerved  a  little  from 


1  To  Valentin  PaeKus,  a  man  eminent  for  piety  and  learning,  a  faithful  minister  of 
the  word  of  God,  and  professor  of  theology  in  the  Church  of  Leipsic. 

Pacffius,  a  learned  and  moderate  divine,  blamed  the  excesses  of  Wcstphal,  Amdorph, 
and  their  disciples.  He  wrote  to  Calvin  : — "You  need  not  doubt  that  among  the 
learned  and  most  of  the  well  disposed,  you  possess  very  high  influence  and  authority." 
He  at  the  same  time  expressed  his  desires  for  the  assembling  of  a  conference,  in 
which  the  learned  and  pious  men  of  Germany  and  Switzerland  might  converse  with 
one  another,  and  settle  the  basis  of  a  reconciliation.     (Lib.  of  Geneva,  vol.  110.) 


156  VALENTIN   PAC-EUS.  [1555. 

the  straight  line.  In  truth  I  every  day  feel  more  and  more 
how  difficult  it  is  not  to  be  dragged  into  many  conflicts.  I 
know  indeed  that  most  enemies  cannot  be  better  overcome 
than  by  despising  them,  and  I  have  long  become  callous  to 
noisy  blustering.  You  can  scarcely  believe  how  many  indig- 
nities, both  at  home  here  and  in  the  neighbourhood,  must  be 
supported  by  me  and  dissembled  in  silence.  And  assuredly 
you  can  scarcely  believe  how  many  impediments  thrown  in 
my  way  by  Satan,  I  break  through  by  concealing  much,  dis- 
sembling much,  otherwise  I  could  never  make  head  against 
the  hundredth  part.  But  it  is  not  always  in  our  own  power 
to  escape,  and  if  the  prophet  Ezekiel  had  to  contend  with 
silly  women,  the  same  necessity  must  tranquilly  be  submitted 
to  by  us.  If  you  knew  the  state  of  this  place,  you  would 
think  that  to  consult  one's  peace  of  mind,  one  ought  to  fly 
elsewhere  far  from  it.  In  the  meanwhile  I  know  not  if  a  short 
apology,  which  I  have  just  published,  will  calm  the  minds  of 
your  countrymen.  If  by  chance  they  should  admit  me  to  a 
conference  with  them,  no  inconveniences  will  prevent  me 
from  joining  them  with  much  satisfaction.  For  if  an  amicable 
arrangement  had  already  been  desired  by  them,  I  professed 
myself  willing  to  accede  to  it.  Farewell,  distinguished  sir, 
and  honoured  brother.  Salute  all  friends,  if  there  are  among 
you  any  whom  my  salutation  will  not  displease.  May  the 
Lord  always  defend  you  with  his  protection,  govern  you  by 
his  Spirit,  and  bless  all  your  labours. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Led.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107  a.] 


1555.]  MELANCTHON.  157 


CCCXCIIL— TO  MELANCTHON.1 

Thanks  him  for  his  approbation  of  the  condemnation  of  Servetus — urgent  entreaties 
to  determine  Melancthon  to  pronounce  with  more  firmness  in  the  question  of  the 
sacraments. 

Geneva,  5th  March  1555. 

Your  letter,  most  renowned  sir,  was  grateful  to  me,  not  only 
because  whatever  comes  from  you  is  dear  to  me,  and  because 
it  let  me  know  that  the  affection,  which  you  entertained  for  me  in 
the  commencement  of  our  intercourse,  still  remains  unaltered; 
but  above  all  because  in  it  I  find  a  magnificent  eulogium,  in 
which  you  commend  my  zeal  in  crushing  the  impiety  of  Ser- 
vetus. Whence  also  I  conjecture  that  you  have  not  been 
offended  with  the  honest  freedom  of  my  admonitions.  In  this 
they  were  defective,  that  I  could  have  wished  them  to  have 
been  more  ample.  And  yet  I  do  not  urge  them  too  impor- 
tunately; still  as  much  as  with  your  permission  I  may  venture 
to  do,  I  would  again  and  again  entreat  you  at  least  to  weigh 
well  silently  in  your  own  mind,  the  points  on  which  I  have 
written.  For  so  I  am  confident,  you  will  endeavour,  that  re- 
specting the  gratuitous  election  of  the  pious,  a  more  orthodox 
manner  of  teaching  may  be  mutually  agreed  upon  between 
us.  About  the  worship  of  the  bread,  (^  r%  nproWps.'as)  your 
most  intimate  opinion  has  long  been  known  to  me,  which  you 
do  not  even  dissemble  in  your  letter.     But  your  too  great 

1  Without  laying  aside  the  reserve  which  he  had  till  then  maintained  in  the  midst 
of  the  theological  quarrels,  Melancthon  had  just  expressed  to  Calvin  his  entire  appro- 
bation of  the  trial  and  condemnation  of  Servetus.  "  Keverend  sir,  and  dearest  bro- 
ther, I  have  read  your  writing  in  which  you  have  clearly  refuted  the  horrid  blasphe- 
mies of  Servetus.  ...  I  maintain  that  your  magistrates  have  acted  with  justice,  in 
having  put  to  death  a  blasphemer,  after  having  regularly  judged  the  affair."  In  an- 
other letter  of  the  12th  May,  1 555,  he  shewed  himself  disposed  to  refute  the  sugges- 
tions of  Westphol,  of  which  the  parties  made  him  bear  a  part  of  the  responsibility  : 
'•  I  have  determined  to  reply  simply  and  without  ambiguity,  and  I  judge  that  I  owe 
that  work  to  God  and  the  church,  nor  at  the  age  to  which  I  have  arrived,  do  I  fear 
either  exile  or  any  other  dangers."  This  language  was  the  best  answer  to  the  wishes 
that  had  so  long  been  expressed  by  Calvin. 


158  MELANCTHON.  [1555. 

slowness  displeases  me,  by  which  not  only  is  kept  up,  but 
from  day  to  day  increased,  the  madness  of  those  whom  you 
see  rushing  on  to  the  destruction  of  the  church.  And  though 
it  should  not  be  easy  for  you  to  bridle  such  wild  beasts,  which 
however  I  think  is  a  groundless  fear,  would  you  only  set 
boldly  about  it,  you  know  however  that  our  duties  by  no 
means  depend  on  our  hopes  of  success,  but  that  it  behoves  us  to 
accomplish  what  God  requires  of  us,  even  when  we  are  in  the 
greatest  despair  respecting  the  results.  Nor  indeed  does  that 
excuse  satisfy  me  that  malevolent  men,  who  wish  to  crush  you, 
may  hence  find  a  feasible  pretext.  For  what  are  we  to  ex- 
pect from  the  servants  of  Christ,  unless,  in  despite  of  ill-will, 
and  contemning  malicious  rumours,  they  overcome  by  their 
victorious  constancy  whatever  obstacles  Satan  may  raise  up 
against  them?  Certainly,  however  madly  they  may  rage 
against  you,  nothing  more  cruel  threatens  you  on  their  part 
than  to  be  forced  to  abandon  that  part  of  the  world  where 
you  now  are ;  which  thing  in  my  judgment  is  what  for 
many  reasons  you  should  spontaneously  desire.  But  should 
you  have  to  fear  the  worst  extremes,  still  it  is  necessary  that 
you  should  determine  once  for  all  what  you  owe  to  Christ, 
lest,  by  suppressing  a  candid  confession  of  the  truth,  you 
should  lend  to  wicked  men  a  kind  of  implied  patronage  to 
oppress  the  church.  That  I  might  restrain  their  tumults,  I 
have  again  comprised  the  summary  of  our  doctrine  in  a  short 
compendium.  All  the  Swiss  churches  have  subscribed  to  it. 
Those  of  Zurich  gave  it  their  unqualified  approbation.  Now 
I  long  to  have  your  opinion;  what  also  the  rest  of  your  coun- 
trymen think  and  say  I  am  very  desirous  to  know.  But  if 
those  cease  not  to  breed  disturbances,  who  defame  us  so  hos- 
tilely,  we  shall  endeavour  to  make  the  whole  world  hear  our 
complaints.  Farewell,  most  renowned  and  my  ever  honoured 
sir.  May  the  Lord  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  defend  you  with 
his  protection,  sustain  you  by  his  power,  and  may  he  always 
keep  us  in  holy  union,  till  at  length  he  gather  us  .into  his 
heavenly  kingdom. 

[Calvin's  Lat.  Cor.resp.    Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  97.] 


1555.]  MARTIN  SIDEMANN.  159 


CCCXCIV.— To  Martin  Sidemann.1 

He  congratulates  him  on  his  moderation  in  the  midst  of  the  theological  fury  of  Ger- 
many— comparison  of  Luther  with  his  disciples. 

Geneva,  11th  March  1555. 

I  am  delighted  indeed  that  this  messenger  luckily  presented 
himself  to  you,  as  by  his  favour  you  have  become  known  to 
me.  With  your  letter,  as  it  was  full  of  courtesy,  I  have  been 
exceedingly  gratified.  But  what  afforded  me  particular  satis- 
faction, was  to  learn  that  you  are  not  at  all  one  of  those  who 
are  so  hurried  away  by  their  own  violence,  or  enchained  as  it 
were  by  their  obstinacy  and  captiousness,  that  they  cannot 
assent  to  any  thing  that  comes  from  this  quarter,  because  we 
do  not  chime  in  with  all  the  opinions  of  the  Saxons.  The 
wider  this  contagion  has  spread,  so  much  more  praiseworthy 
is  your  moderation ;  since  devoting  yourself  to  truth  alone, 
exempt  from  silly  prejudices,  honestly,  aud  without  antipa- 
thies, you  esteem  only  what  is  true.  Would  that  Luther 
were  alive  now.  For  though  his  vehemence  in  the  conduct 
of  the  Sacramentarian  cause,  always  exceeded  the  bounds  of 
moderation,  yet  it  was  nothing  to  their  violence  and  phrensy. 
If  however  they  continue  to  the  last  to  be  implacable,  the  re- 
sult will  be  that  they  will  at  length,  by  their  intolerable  con- 
tumacy, conciliate  favour  to  us  among  all  sane  and  moderate 
persons,  who,  intimidated  for  a  time,  did  not  dare  to  form  an 
impartial  judgment  on  the  subject.  But  when  forsooth  they 
do  not  possess  a  single  one  of  Luther's  virtues,  by  their  lustv 
bawling  they  give  themselves  out  for  his  genuine  disciples. 
As  if  indeed   to   ape,  and  to  imitate,  any  person,  were  not 

1  To  Martin  Sidemann,  a  man  of  distinguished  piety  and  learning,  professor  of  hu- 
manity at  Erfurt. 

Sidemann  belonged  to  that  minority  of  sage  characters  who  knew  how  to  honour 
the  faith  and  genius  of  the  Reformer  of  Geneva.  We  may  remark  the  fallowing 
passage  in  a  letter  which  he  addressed  to  Calvin  the  24th  October,  1554  :  "Farewell, 
incomparable  man,  and  ornament  of  the  church,  and  inscribe  Sidemann  in  the  num- 
ber of  your  friends."     (Library  of  Geneva,  vol.  113.) 


160  THE   SEIGNEURS    OF    BERNE.  [1555. 

very  different  things.  But  amid  so  much  ignorance  and  bar- 
barity, nothing  is  more  disgusting  than  their  arrogance,  since 
they  do  not  spare  even  Philip.  The  blame  of  this  is  partly 
to  be  attributed  to  himself,  because  hitherto  he  has  not  man- 
fully repelled  their  attacks.1  Now,  though  the  remedy  will 
come  late,  he  will  be  compelled  to  assume  a  more  courageous 
attitude,  and  this  will  be  the  most  efficacious  method  of  crush- 
ing their  knavery.  I  have  just  tried  in  a  short  tract,  whether 
it  were  possible  to  calm  their  fervour.  If  I  do  not  succeed, 
we  must,  as  I  predict,  come  more  vigorously  to  the  combat. 
It  is  to  be  deplored,  indeed,  that  in  the  very  bosom  of  the 
church  there  should  be  such  ebullitions  of  strife,  but  when 
people  will  raise  disturbances  without  a  motive,  our  conten- 
tion for  the  defence  of  truth  is  excusable.  Farewell,  dis- 
tinguished sir,  and  respected  brother.  May  the  Lord  stand 
always  by  you,  govern,  and  protect  you. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Gotha.     Yol.  379,  fol.  46.] 


CCCXCV. — To  the  Seigneurs  of  Berne.2 

Statement  vindicating  the  reforms  introduced  into  the  Church  of  Geneva,  and  com- 
plaints against  several  of  the  ministers  of  Berne. 

Lausanne,  March  1555. 8 

Bight  worshipful,  puissant,  and  honourable  seigneurs, 
— I  learned  yesterday,  through  the  advoyer,  that  you  are  dis- 

'  Sidemann  wrote  to  Calvin  the  4th  May,  1553.  "Our  countryman  Philip  has  pre- 
ferred hitherto  to  maintain  the  greatest  moderation  in  the  Sacramentnrian  cause.  But 
now  he  is  challenged  to  enter  the  lists;  I  fear  a  sad  tragedy."     Vol.  113. 

3  Moved  by  the  church  of  Geneva,  the  ministers  of  Lausanne  had  long  claimed  the 
establishment  of  an  ecclesiastical  discipline,  and  the  right  of  excommunication  against 
the  most  scandalous  sinners.  This  demand  renewed  the  Tth  of  March  1555,  and  re- 
jected by  the  Seigneurs  of  Berne,  increased  the  discontentment  of  these  against  Calvin, 
whom  tbey  considered  as  the  instigator  of  these  proceedings.  They  addressed  the 
warmest  complaints  to  the  Seigneurs  of  Geneva,  who  complained  in  their  turn  of  the 
disrespectful  language  held  by  some  members  of  the  Bernese  clergy  against  their 
ministers.  An  embassy  was  sent  to  Berne  to  regulate  this  difference;  Calvin  irns  otw 
of  its  members.  Informed  at  Lausanne  of  the  accusations  of  which  he  was  the 
he  replied  to  them  by  a  letter  and  a  memorial. 

3  The  date  of  this  letter  is  furnished  to  us,  by  the  following  pieces  preserved  among 


1555.]  THE   SEIGNEURS    OF   BERNE.  161 

satisfied  with  me,  as  if  I  were  the  cause  of  many  differences, 
and  stirred  up  your  preachers  to  do  whatever  I  think  right, 
rather  than  obey  you;  and  especially  with  respect  to  diversity 
of  ceremonies,  in  the  celebration  of  baptism,  marriage,  the 
Lord's  supper,  and  festivals.  Though  I  was  far  from  expect- 
ing such  a  complaint,  my  conscience  not  at  all  reproaching 
me,  nevertheless,  I  thank  you  for  having  deigned  to  let  me  know 
the  murmurs  and  reports  that  you  have  heard  about  me,  that 
I  may  have  the  means  and  opportunity  of  presenting  you 
with  my  defence,  for  I  trust  that  when  }?ou  shall  have  heard 
the  truth,  you  will  be  perfectly  satisfied  with  me. 

First  of  all,  I  pray  you,  right  worshipful  Lords,  to  reflect 
that  we  who  preach  the  word  of  God,  are  exposed  to  many 
calumnies  and  much  blame,  and  that  it  is  not  without  reason, 
that  God  reminds  us,  by  the  mouth  of  Saint  Paul,  that  he  who 
is  invested  with  such  an  office  for  the  good  of  the  church, 
ought  not  to  be  accused  on  light  grounds.  For  my  own  part, 
I  am  not  ignorant  that  for  some  time  back  many  slanderous 
insinuations  have  been  circulated  on  my  account,  in  order  to 
make  me  an  object  of  suspicion  and  hatred  to  you.  These 
things  have  given  me  great  pain,  because  I  saw  that  they 
tended  to  retard  the  spread  of  the  gospel,  to  sow  scandals,  and 
divide  the  churches  which  ought  to  be  conjoined  and  united 
in  every  thing  and  every  where.  And  as  much  as  it  grieved 
me  to  have  no  occasion  of  answering  in  order  to  clear  up  my 
character  and  satisfy  you,  so  much  do  I  now  thank  God  for 
permitting  you  to  furnish  me  with  an  opportunity  of  so  doing. 
For  I  have  never  refused  to  give  an  account  of  my  ministry 
to  your  excellencies,  and  with  the  same  readiness  as  if  I  had 
been  one  of  your  own  subjects,  I  am  always  prepared  to  do 
this.  To  come  to  the  fact ;  if  you  will  question  your  preachers, 
who  are  in  this  town,  how  I  agree  with  them  in  doctrine,  I 

the  MSS.  of  the  Library  of  Geneva,  vol.  1-15  :  Instruction  and  charge  given  to  our  well 
beloved  N.  Henry  Aulbert,  syndic  ;  Francis  Ohamoye,  counsellor  ;  Masters  John  Calvin 
and  Raymond  Chauvet,  ministers,  ambassadors,  to  go  to  Berne  this  28th  of  March  1555. 
These  instructions  were  accompanied  with  a  letter  from  the  Seigneurs  of  Geneva  to 
those  of  Berne,  containing  four  points  :  1st.  Justification  of  the  doctrine  preached  at 
Geneva.  2d.  Complaints  about  the  scurrilous  language  uttered  against  the  ministers. 
3d.  Chastisement  of  calumnies.  4th.  Regulation  respecting  the  Lord's  supper. 
21 


\ 


162  THE   SEIGNEURS   OF   BERNE.  [1555. 

am  so  assured  that  they  will  give  you  a  favourable  account, 
that  it  will  not  be  necessary  for  me  to  trouble  you  any  further 
on  that  score. 

Respecting  ceremonies,  because  they  are  things  indifferent, 
the  churches  have  a  certain  latitude  of  diversity.  And  when 
one  has  well  weighed  the  matter,  it  may  be  sometimes  con- 
sidered useful  not  to  have  too  rigid  a  uniformity  respecting 
them,  in  order  to  shew  that  faith  and  Christianity  do  not  con- 
sist in  that.  Nevertheless  those  who  have  informed  you  that, 
from  curiosity  or  other  motives,  I  have  introduced  a  new 
mode,  have  not  made  a  correct  statement.  My  brother  Master 
William  Farel  is  present  here,  who  can  moreover  bear  wit- 
ness, that  before  my  arrival  at  Geneva,  the  manner  of  celebra- 
ting the  Lord's  supper,  baptism,  marriage,  and  the  festivals, 
was  such  as  it  is  at  present,  without  my  having  changed  any 
thing.  So  that  it  is  impossible  on  these  points  to  attribute  to 
me  any  thing  that  has  originated  with  me. 

The  form  of  marriage  has  always  remained  in  its  original 
state,  and  I  follow  the  order  which  I  found  established  like 
one  who  takes  no  pleasure  in  making  innovations.1  On  our 
expulsion  from  Geneva,  they  changed  the  form  of  the  bread,2 
and  though  that  was  done  in  a  disorderly  and  tumultuous 
manner,  notwithstanding,  to  keep  up  peace  and  harmony,  we 
retain  the  unleavened  bread  according  to  the  usage  which  you 
have  established  here. 

In  one  thing  we  differ,  but  the  difference  is  not  an  innova- 
tion. We  celebrate  the  Lord's  supper  four  times  a  year,  and 
you  thrice.  Now  would  to  God,  messeigneurs,  that  both  you 
and  we  had  a  more  frequent  use  of  it.  For  we  see  in  the  Acts 
of  the  Apostles  by  Saint  Luke  that  in  the  primitive  church 

1  Contrary  to  the  usage  that  prevailed  at  Berne,  it  was  forbidden  to  brides  to  pre- 
sent themselves  at  church  with  long  hanging  tresses  in  order  to  receive  the  nuptial 
benediction.  Ruchat,  Hist,  de  la  Reformation,  torn.  v.  p.  58.  We  read  in  the  ex- 
tracts of  the  Registers  of  the  Council,  20th  May  1537  :  "A  bride  having  gone  out  last 
Sunday  with  her  hair  hanging  down  lower  than  is  fitting,  which  is  a  bad  example  and 
contrary  to  what  is  preached,  her  mistress  was  put  in  prison,  as  well  as  the  two  who 
conducted  the  bride,  and  the  woman  who  had  arranged  her  hair." 

"The  communion  formerly  administered  with  common  bread  was  from  that  time 
administered  with  unleavened  bread,  according  to  the  custom  of  Berne.  Spon,  Hist, 
de  Qenlve,  torn.  i.  p.  25,  Note  L. 


1555.]  THE   SEIGNEURS    OF    BERNE.  163 

they  communicated  much  oftener.  And  that  custom  continued 
in  the  ancient  church  during  a  long  space  of  time,  till  the 
abomination  of  the  mass  was  devised  by  Satan,  and  was  the 
cause  why  people  communicated  but  once  or  twice  a  year. 
Wherefore  we  must  confess  that  it  is  a  defect  in  us  not  to  fol- 
low the  example  of  the  Apostles. 

Touching  baptism,  we  maintain  the  form  such  as  it  was  be- 
fore I  came  to  Geneva.1  After  our  expulsion  from  that  city, 
baptismal  fonts  were  erected.  On  my  return,  it  would  not 
have  been  difficult  for  me,  I  believe,  to  have  had  them  pulled 
down.  On  the  contrary,  I  have  had  to  endure  much  reproach 
because  I  wished  them  to  remain.  And  of  that  I  ask  no  better 
witness  than  our  brother,  Master  Peter  Viret.  But  I  must 
remind  you  that  in  the  greater  temple  baptism  was  adminis- 
tered even  during  my  absence  from  the  pulpit.  And  in  truth 
the  baptismal  fonts  were  placed  in  such  a  situation,  as  to  oc- 
casion the  sacrament  of  baptism  to  be  despised  and  turned 
into  derision;  we  baptize  when  the  sermon  is  over,  and  the 
font  stood  in  the  way  where  the  people  pass  out  around  it. 
There  was  thus  a  bustle  and  confusion.  Nevertheless  the 
form  observed  is  the  same  which  it  has  always  been  ;  there  is 
thus  no  reason  for  taking  offence,  and  least  of  all  for  throwing 
any  blame  on  me. 

As  to  festival  days,  they  were  abolished  at  Geneva  before  I 
left  France;2  and  those  who  had  procured  their  abolition,  were 
actuated  by  no  spirit  of  contention  or  spite,  but  solely  by  the 
desire  of  abolishing  the  superstition  which  had  been  so  preva- 
lent in  Popery.  For  which  reason,  messeigneurs,  you  should 
not  feel  offended,  as  if  that  measure  had  tended  to  sow  discord 
between  your  churches  and  that  of  Geneva,  though  for  the  inno- 
vation I  am  personally  irresponsible.  For  the  rest,  my  writings 
bear  witness  to  my  sentiments  on  these  points,  for  in  them  I 
declare  that  a  church  is  not  to  be  despised  or  condemned,  be- 

'  The  baptismal  fonts  of  stone  employed  at  Berne  had  been  abolished  at  Geneva. 
Ruchat,  torn.  v.  p.  53. 

2  Whilst  the  Bernese  celebrated  four  grand  festivals  during  the  year,  Geneva  Re- 
formed allowed  to  subsist,  from  opposition  to  Catholic  usages,  but  one  festival  day, 
Sunday.  This  change  was  accomplished  in  1535,  a  year  before  Calvin's  arrival  at 
Geneva.     Spon,  Hist,  de  Geneve,  torn.  ii.  p.  2U,  note  L ;  Ruchat,  torn.  v.  p.  58. 


16-i  THE    SEIGNEURS    OF    BERNE.  [1555. 

cause  it  observes  more  festival  days  than  the  others.  From 
this  recent  abolition  of  feast  days,  here  is  what  has  resulted. 
Not  a  year  has  passed  without  some  quarrel  and  bickering, 
because  the  people  were  divided,  and  to  such  a  degree  as  to  draw 
their  swords.  Meanwhile  we  have  done  what  we  ought,  to  ap- 
pease these  troubles.  The  most  feasible  means  that  could  be 
devised  for  that  purpose,  seemed  to  be  to  keep  the  holy  day 
in  the  morning,  and  open  the  shops  in  the  afternoon,  though 
this  plan  did  not  much  remedy  the  evil.  For  several  thought- 
less persons  failed  not  to  fall  foul  of  one  another.  So  that  for 
the  last  time  entreating  and  exhorting  the  Council  of  the  two 
hundred  to  redress  this  abuse,  I  begged  them,  among  other 
things,  to  be  pleased  to  conform  as  much  as  possible  to  the 
order  established  among  you  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  up  a 
good  understanding.  Judge  then  of  my  astonishment  when  I 
learned  what  had  been  decided  in  the  general  Council,  without 
my  knowing  that  such  a  question  had  been  entertained  by  it. 
Of  that  I  can  produce  a  goodly  number  of  competent  witnesses. 

And  notwithstanding  all  that,  worshipful  and  most  honour- 
able Seigneurs,  I  pray  you  to  consider  two  things.  The  first  is 
that  when  we  believe  that  we  are  serving  God  in  observing  cer- 
tain days,  we  are  chargeable  with  a  superstition  contrary  to  his 
word ;  and  yet  this  belief  has  taken  such  root  among  the  people, 
that  they  can  scarcely  be  turned  from  it.  The  second  is  that 
what  is  commonly  styled  Annunciation  day  is  held  by  the 
greater  number  to  be  a  feast  of  our  Lady,  in  which  belief  there 
is  idolatry.  And  would  to  God  that  every  thing  were  rightly 
considered  for  the  edification  of  the  Church.  But  at  all  events 
I  do  not  deserve  to  be  accused  of  all  that,  considering  I  have 
no  hand  in  it. 

I  am  reproached  with  having  created  a  new  feast  on  the 
Wednesday.  In  this  I  am  sadly  wronged.  For  the  magis- 
tracy of  Geneva  have  indeed,  by  my  exhortation,  set  apart 
one  day  in  the  week  to  offer  up  extraordinary  prayers,  as  ne- 
cessity and  the  exigencies  of  the  times  should  require  it.  And 
on  that  day  we  pray  for  you  and  the  other  churches  who  are 
in  need  of  it.  But  we  carry  on  our  usual  labours  on  that 
day  ;  and  besides  we  have  not  so  constantly  established  a  cer- 


1555.]  THE   SEIGNEURS   OF   BERNE.  165 

tain  day  as  not  to  select  now  one,  now  another,  just  as  the 
magistrates  shall  deem  proper  for  their  convenience.  But  a 
more  serious  charge  is  involved  in  the  rumour  that  they  have 
diligently  spread  about,  of  my  intentions  to  transfer  the  Lord's 
day  to  the  Friday.1  The  truth  is,  that,  for  my  part,  I  have 
never  shewn  the  least  sign  of  lusting  after  such  innovations, 
but  very  much  the  contrary. 

It  has  also  reached  my  ears  that  there  are  murmurings 
about  the  catechism.  Now  when  I  composed  the  catechism,2 
of  which  we  make  use,  it  was  because  no  other  undertook  the 
task.  I  put  it  to  your  preachers  whether  the  doctrine  con- 
tained in  it  be  pure  and  sound.  I  have  no  doubts  but  they 
will  make  a  favourable  report  respecting  it,  and  that  you  will 
find  my  labour  has  greatly  profited,  and  continues  to  profit,  the 
Church  of  God. 

Wherefore,  right  worshipful,  puissant,  and  honourable  lords, 
I  pray  you  not  to  give  ear  to  the  false  or  frivolous  reports 
which  are  spread  abroad  about  me.  I  have  endeavoured, 
wherever  my  lot  has  cast  me,  faithfully  to  serve  God  and  his 
church,  and  further  the  reign  of  Jesus  Christ.  You  were 
ignorant,  I  believe,  of  that  zeal  which  was  in  me.  And  if  I 
have  always  walked  in  simplicity  and  straightforwardness,  be 
persuaded  that  God  has  given  me  grace  to  persevere  in  the 
same  train.  And  should  you  find  any  thing  to  be  reproved 
in  me,  doubt  not,  as  often  as  you  shall  be  pleased  to  remind 
me,  of  my  readiness  to  make  answer  to  whatever  points  shall 
be  required  of  me.  The  only  favour  I  ask  of  you  is  never 
to  refuse  me  an  opportunity  of  clearing  my  character  and 
making  my  apology  before  you.  At  the  same  time  I  beg  you 
to  consider  that  hitherto  God  has  made  use  of  my  instrumen- 
tality, and  in  all  likelihood  will  continue  to  do  so,  that  ac- 
cording to  my  slender  capacity,  I  labour  continually  to  com- 

1  Bolsec  could  not  omit  this  absurd  accusation  in  the  calumnious  pamphlet  to  which 
he  attached  his  name ;  Vie  de  Calvin,  C.  vi.  :  "Arrival  of  Calvin  at  Geneva,  where  he 
wished  to  abolish  Sunday  in  order  to  observe  Friday." 

2  Published  in  1536,  recomposed  in  1541,  reimprinted  more  than  a  hundred  times 
in  French  and  in  Latin,  and  translated  into  almost  all  the  languages  of  Europe.  The 
most  remarkable  edition  of  Calvin's  Catechism,  is  that  which  Robert  Etienne  pub- 
lished in  1553. 


166  THE    SEIGNEURS    OF    BERNE.  [1555. 

bat  the  enemies  of  the  faith,  and  lay  myself  out  entirely  to  the 
best  of  my  abilities  to  further  the  spread  of  the  gospel.  Thus 
may  it  please  your  excellencies  like  good  christian  princes, 
whom  the  prophet  Isaiah  styles  nursing-fathers  of  the  church, 
to  hold  out  to  me  a  helping  hand  and  support  me  against 
malign  ants  and  detractors,  rather  than  suffer  me  to  be 
aggrieved  by  them.  But  I  ask  of  you  no  favour  save  on  this 
condition,  that  you  find  in  me  a  good  and  loyal  servant  of 
God. 

I  prav  you  also,  my  lords,  to  mark  well,  who  are  the  per- 
sons among  your  preachers  that  have  intercourse  with  me. 
For  they  are  well  known  to  you,  and  have  proved  themselves 
so  faithful,  that  you  ought  not  to  have  any  doubts  on  their 
account.  I  make  this  remark  in  order  that  their  intimacy 
and  friendship  with  us  do  not  make  them  suspected.  For  we 
are  not  people  to  hatch  plots  or  intrigues,  or  breed  factious 
discontents.  We  aim  at  nothing  but  to  lend  one  another 
mutual  aid  as  in  duty  bound,  and  to  see  that  many  persons 
who  desire  only  ruin,  disturbance,  or  scandal,  be  not  permitted 
to  molest  those  who  only  seek  to  accomplish  the  functions  of 
this  office. 

It  would  be  impossible  to  allege  a  single  point  in  which  I 
have  wished  to  usurp  or  draw  importance  to  myself.  But 
there  are  persons  who  are  insatiable  after  my  ruin,  and  who 
figure  to  themselves  that  I  have  absolute  sway,  if  they  cannot 
trample  me  under  foot.  Now  I  entreat  you  so  much  the 
more  to  maintain  the  fraternity  and  union  which  ought  to 
exist  between  the  ministers  of  the  gospel,  and  to  take  away 
the  scandal  which  is  but  too  common  of  seeing  the  appearance 
of  division  and  discord  among  us.  For  the  better  informa- 
tion you  shall  have  on  these  subjects,  the  more  you  will  find 
that  I  have  just  motives  of  complaint  against  those  who  have 
striven  by  every  means,  to  prevent  me  from  serving  the  glory 
of  God  and  providing  for  the  well  being  of  the  church. 

And  now,  having  presented  your  excellencies  with  the  vin- 
dication of  myself,  I  shall  make  bold  to  supplicate  you  in 
favour  of  a  person  whose  banishment  from  your  territory  you 


1555.]  THE   SEIGNEURS    OF    BERXE.  167 

have  lately  ordained.1  The  person  in  question,  ray  lord.-,  is 
one  who  fears  God  and  is  the  most  peaceable  of  men.  As  to 
the  sermon  which  he  preached,  when  you  shall  have  duly 
examined  it,  you  will,  I  trust,  lay  aside  any  displeasure  which 
you  may  have  entertained  against  him.  He  has  come  from  a 
distant  country  ;  he  has  a  wife,  modest,  of  exemplary  conduct, 
and  good  reputation  like  himself.  Wherefore,  my  lords,  I 
humbly  pray  that  you  would  be  pleased  to  recall  the  act  of 
his  banishment,  and  you  will  be  convinced  at  last  that  in  thus 
raising  my  voice  in  his  favour  I  have  not  made  a  rash  report. 


Complaints  drawn  up  by  Calvin,  and  presented  to  the  Seig- 
neury  of  Berne,  against  Master  Andrew  Zebedee,  preacher 
of  Xyon. 

In  a  sermon  which  the  said  Zebedee  preached  at  the  mar- 
riage of  the  Seigneur  de  Cran's  son,  handling  the  subject  of 
Christ's  permitting  the  devils  to  take  possession  of  the  swine, 
he  declared :  that  those  who  teach  that,  whatsoever  things  fall 
out  by  God's  permission,  are  done  according  to  his  will,  put 
forth  an  error  more  mischievous  and  damnable  than  the  mass, 
and  all  the  abominations  of  Popery ;  that  it  is  most  disgrace- 
ful for  the  magistrate  to  countenance  so  pestilential  a  doctrine, 
which  exposes  to  damnation  millions  of  souls;  that  its  pro- 
mulgators are  not  obscure  people,  on  the  contrary  their  books 
are  spread  abroad,  and  held  in  such  repute,  that  every  body 
is  perverted  by  them.  Xow  though  the  name  of  Calvin  was 
not  pronounced,  the  audience  had  no  difficulty  in  perceiving 
that  he  was  glanced  at,  and  the  preacher  himself  in  private 
did  not  deny  it. 


Against  Master  John  Lange,  Preacher  of  Bursin. 

In  the  congregation  of  Eolle,  after  having  given  an  account 
of  ancient  heretics,  he  added  that  a  certain  person  who  has 
composed  a  commentary  on  the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews,  in 
asserting  that  Jesus  Christ  feared  to  be  swallowed  up  in  death, 

1  The  minister  John  de  St.  Andre. 


168  THE   SEIGNEURS    OF   BERNE.  [1555. 

has  shewn  a  desire  to  destroy  the  belief  in  his  divinity.  For  if 
Jesus  Christ  had  known  fear,  it  follows  that  he  is  not  God.  And 
he  insisted  in  such  a  manner  on  this  head,  that  Calvin  was  clearly 
understood  to  be  pointed  at.  Whereupon  the  ministers  of 
the  class  felt  themselves  called  upon  publicly  to  resist  the 
preacher,  and  declare,  that  Calvin,  who  had  faithfully  laboured 
for  the  church,  deserved  not  to  be  stigmatized  as  a  heretic,  add- 
ing that  the  discourse  which  Lange  had  held,  was  a  manifest 
error,  and  contrary  to  the  principles  of  our  faith.  And  that 
his  intention  might  be  more  certainly  appreciated,  Lange 
boasted  that  if  he  had  five  or  six  champions  like  himself  he 
would  lead  the  said  Calvin  a  dance — who  is  nothing  but  a 
heretic,  as  he  calls  him. 


Against  Zebede*e  and  Lange  conjointly. 

Because  the  aforesaid  persons  have  here  presented  articles 
full  of  falsehoods  and  calumnies  ;  to  wit,  the  articles  of  which 
their  excellencies,  the  lords  of  Berne,  have  transmitted  a  copy 
to  our  lords  and  superiors,  to  obtain  a  confirmation  of  the 
said  articles  from  the  latter.  For  the  ministers  of  the  Church 
of  Geneva  have  replied  to  them,  as  has  been  stated,  and  as  a 
copy  of  their  answer  has  been  produced  here.  Moreover  the 
aforesaid  persons  have  circulated  and  published  other  articles 
quite  different,  in  which  they  affirm,  that  Calvin  makes  God 
the  author  of  sin,  and  lay  to  the  charge  of  the  ministers  of 
Geneva  horrible  accusations. 


Against  Bastien  Foncelet. 

Having  fled  from  the  city  of  Geneva  in  consequence  of  his 
misdeeds,  he  has  written  most  defamatory  letters  on  the  sub- 
ject of  a  marriage  which  he  pretends  to  have  taken  place  with 
a  woman  whose  husband  was  then  alive.  These  and  similar 
reports  he  has  spread,  both  against  the  doctrine  preached  at 
Geneva  which  he  calls  heresy,  and  against  the  city  and  its 
government  which  he  represents  as  a  carnal  and  spiritual 
Sodom — affirming  that  it  is  a  city  noted  for  cruelty  and  the 


1555.]  BULLDJGEB.  169 

persecution  of  the  faith  of  Christ.  "With  many  other  base 
outrages,  he  moreover  gives  out,  every  now  and  then,  that 
Calvin  is  a  heretic 


Against  Jerome  Bolsec,  physician  at  Bolsec. 

After  his  return  from  Berne,  he  boasted  that  he  had  there 
maintained  Calvin  to  be  a  heretic.  Previously  he  had  de- 
clared that  Servetus  had  been  put  to  death  most  unjustly  at 
Geneva,  and  not  satisfied  with  calumniating  him,  keeps  sing- 
ing up  and  down  a  song  full  of  infamous  scurrilities  against 
the  said  Calvin. 


Against  Peter  Desplans  and  his  wife,  resident  at  Kolle. 

In  the  presence  of  sixteen  persons  they  have  declared,  that 
in  the  magistracy  of  Geneva  they  found  neither  law  nor  jus- 
tice, that  Calvin  is  a  heretic,  and  caused  himself  to  be  adored. 
Some  time  after,  before  the  Lord  Bailiff,  and  in  the  presence 
of  thirty  persons,  they  declared  their  intention  to  prove  the 
said  Calvin  to  be  a  heretic. 

[Fr.  Minute  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  145.] 


CCCXCVL— To  Bullinger.1 

Account  of  a  journey  of  Calvin's  to  Berne,  and  of  the  false  accusations  directed 
against  him. 

Geneva,  20th  April  1555. 

In  what  manner  I  was  dismissed  from  Berne,  I  think  I 
wrote  to  you  from  there,  when  by  disgusting  cavils  the  adver- 
saries paltered  both  with  me  and  the  Senate.  What  was 
enough  and  more  than  enough  for  their  own  condemnation, 
they  greedily  laid  hold  of  for  their  excuse;  and  that  I  might 

1  The  disputes  of  Calvin  with  the  Seiirneury  of  Berne  had  made  a  noise  at  Zurich, 
and  they  seemed  likely  to  he  aggravated  by  a  letter  of  the  Reformer,  containing  a 
severe  judgment  on  Zuingli.     Calvin  had  recourse  to  the  conciliating  intervention  of 
Bullinger  to  alleviate  the  danger. 
22 


170  .  BULLTNGER.  [1555. 

be  precluded  from  following  up  my  rights,  falsely  and  with- 
out any  show  of  probability,  the  odium  of  a  blunder,  which 
even  a  child  would  discover  to  have  been,  committed  by  the 
printer,  was  falsely  put  on  my  shoulders.  But  the  senate  de- 
creed, if  in  any  case  printers  make  mistakes,  the  fault  is  to  be 
attributed  to  the  authors  of  the  books.  At  length  they 
thought  proper  to  strike  terror  into  me  from  other  considera- 
tions. They  reproached  me  with  a  letter  formerly  written  by 
me,  in  which  Zuingli  is  glanced  at,  or  at  least  his  doctrine 
disapproved  of.  But  as  this  accusation  was  neither  new  nor 
unexpected,  I  was  quite  prepared  to  bring  forward  matters 
which  served  for  my  defence.  Zebede"e  had  perfidiously  given 
publicity  to  a  private  letter  which  I  had  sent  to  him  fifteen 
3Tears  before,  at  the  time  when  I  lived  at  Strasbourg.1  I  de- 
manded that  this  letter  should  be  publicly  produced,  that  these 
dishonest  men  might  not  invent  a  subject  of  accusation  for 
nothing  or  on  frivolous  pretences.  The  senate  refused  my 
request.  Only  a  secretary  handed  me  a  brief,  in  which  was 
written  in  French,  that  the  true  distinction  of  things  is  con- 
founded when  the  word  sacrament  is  taken  simply  in  the  ac- 
ceptation of  a  military  oath,  whereas  it  rather  signifies  a  mys- 
tery, and  is  employed  for  the  spiritual  compact  between  God 
and  the  church  ;  and  that  this  opinion  of  Zuingli  was  briefly 
refuted  in  my  Institution.  There  was  added  in  Latin  that  the 
opinion  of  Zuingli  about  the  sacraments  was  called  false  by 
me ;  which  I  do  not  admit  to  have  been  said  in  a  general 
sense  by  me.  On  the  contrary,  I  solemnly  affirm  that  such 
an  expression  never  dropped  from  me.  Nevertheless  by  this 
subterfuge  impunity  was  secured  to  those  wicked  calumnia- 
tors, who  from  the  pulpit,  in  market  places,  in  cross  ways, 
and  at  dinner  parties,  revile  me  as  a  pestilent  heretic.  Our 
brethren  of  Berne  most  honestly  did  their  duty,  nor  did  it 
depend  on  them  that  we  had  not  a  better  result.     Moreover  I 

1  See  this  letter  in  the  Appendix.  The  passage  incriminated  was  doubtless  that  in 
which  Calvin,  recalling  to  mind  the  efforts  of  Bucer  to  arrive  at  a  purer  notion  of  the 
sacraments,  added  :  "and  I  wish  that  Zuingli  would  decide  upon  doing  the  same 
thing,  whose  opinion  on  this  matter  is  false  and  pernicious."  Calvinua  Zebedeo,  19 
Mali,  1539. 


1555.]  THE   PASTORS    OF   BERNE.  171 

opposed  this  buckler  to  their  attacks,  that,  if  offence  there  was, 
it  was  you  whom  it  principally  concerned,  from  whom  not  one 
complaint  had  been  heard,  and  that  it  was  absurd  that,  you 
keeping  silence,  strangers  should  start  up  as  the  advocates  of 
your  cause.  If  they  shall  urge  the  question  with  greater 
obstinacy,  consider,  I  implore  you,  whether  it  would  not  be 
equitable,  as  well  as  more  desirable  for  me  and  creditable  to 
yourselves,  that  you  should  interfere,  in  order  that  these  dis- 
honest men  may  not  make  a  false  handle  of  your  name ;  as 
you  have  neither  been  injured  nor  shewn  any  disposition  to 
seek  a  quarrel  with  me,  on  the  subject  of  the  pious  and  friendly 
admonition  by  which  at  that  time  I  wished  to  benefit  an  in- 
considerate man.  In  a  short  time  I  expect  some  news  will 
be  brought  us  from  the  fair.  Whatever  it  may  be,  I  shall 
take  care  to  communicate  it  to  you  immediately.  Farewell, 
most  accomplished  man,  and  honoured  brother.  Do  not  fail 
to  salute  in  my  name  your  fellow  pastors,  your  wife,  your 
sons-in-law,  and  your  whole  family.  May  the  Lord  always 
stand  by  you,  protect,  and  govern  you. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

I  beg  of  you  to  see  that  the  letter  be  delivered  as  soon  as 
possible  to  M.  Lever,  with  kindest  wishes  on  my  part. 
[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich.     Gest.  vi,  1C6,  p.  24.] 


CCCXCVIL— To  the  Pastors  of  Berne. 

He  urges  them  -warmly  to  take  part  with  him  in  the  struggle  which  he  is  maintaining 
for  the  liberty  of  the  ministry  and  the  preaching  of  sound  doctrine. 

Geneva,  May  1555. 

Though  the  letters  of  the  senate,  together  with  the  answer 
of  the  lieutenant,  were  anything  but  satisfactory,  my  excellent 
and  venerable  brethren,  nothing,  however,  occurred  which  we 
had  not  apprehended.  I  wished  indeed,  that  the  matter  could 
have  been  better  settled,  and  in  such  a  manner  as  would  have 
permitted   myself  and  my  colleagues  to  remain  quiet ;   nor 


172  THE   PASTORS   OF   BERNE.  [1555. 

would  we  have  said  a  word,  if  the  slightest  remedy  had  been 
applied  to  the  most  serious  evils.     But  when  this  last  letter 
which  ought  to  have  calmed,  has  again  opened  the  wound 
which  had  been  inflicted  by  the  former  declarations,  we  are 
compelled  to  lift  up  our  voice  at  least  and  testify  how  bitter 
this  indignity  is  to  us,  which  both  impairs  the  faith  of  the 
gospel  and  threatens  the  ruin  of  the  church.     I  wish  we  did 
so  with  any  advantage;  but  though  our  labours  be  without 
success,  it  is  necessary  nevertheless  to  cry  out  even  without 
any  hope,  for  to  sit  idle  spectators  of  this  tragedy  would  be 
the  basest  perfidy.     But  since  the  issue  is  in  the  hand  of  the 
Lord,  we  will  hope  that  he  will  himself  take  care  that  our 
endeavours  be  not  in  vain.     As  in  a  common  cause  we  never- 
theless desire  to  have  you  as  our  fellow  workmen,  you  must 
make  it  your  business  to  try  and  approve  of  our  design.     I 
know  and  remember  when  your  senate,  without  pronouncing 
any  thing  for  either  of  the  parties,  sent  us  home,  though  the 
absurdity  of  their  decree  did  not   a  little   offend  you,  that 
you  were  nevertheless  of  opinion  that  it  should  be  obeyed, 
lest  our  persistence  should  inflame  still  more  some  ill  disposed 
persons  to  do  mischief.     But  I  then  adduced  sufficient  reasons 
for  not  complying  with  this  order.     For  as  we  were  there  in 
a  public  capacity  by  the  instructions  of  our  council,  we  were 
not  at  liberty  to  depart,  and  it  would  have  been  a  proof  of 
slavish  cowardice  on  our  part,  to  pocket  so  gross  an  affront 
in  silence.     When  your  senate  had  promised,  both  in  words 
and  in   writing,  that  having  taken  cognizance  of  the  cause 
they  would  pronounce  such  a  judgment,  both  about  the  thing 
and  the  persons,  as  that,  all  grounds  of  offence  being  removed, 
peace  between  the  churches  might  be  restored,  at  least  it  was 
our  duty  to  ask  that  they  should  fulfil  their  engagement.  And 
it  was  impossible  to  do  any  thing  with  greater  moderation 
than  we  did  that,  nor  with  a  more  gentle  and  ready  remission 
of  our  claims,  for  we  passed  over  many  things  in  which  your 
senate  itself  saw  that  we  had  been  aggrieved.     We  even  began 
by  declaring  that  unless  the  embassy  imposed  on  us  had  left 
us  no  alternative,  we  should  never  have  come;  so  that  all 
might  easily  conclude,  that  we  did  not  busy  ourselves  much 


1555.]  THE   PASTORS    OF    BERNE.  173 

about  the  matter,  nor  urge  it  with  great  earnestness,  but  with 
great  forbearance  we  only  discharged  the  duties  of  our  mission. 
And  in  my  own  name  I  assured  them,  apart  and  in  private, 
that  I  abandoned  the  whole  process,  provided  only  they  should 
consent  to  vindicate  my  doctrine  and  ministry  from  the  mark 
of  disgrace  that  had  been  set  on  it.  The  result  was  not  in 
accordance  with  my  wishes,  but  this  shall  never  make  me 
repent  of  having  taken  so  moderate  and  so  very  unnecessary 
a  step.  I  could  not  bring  the  deputies  to  betray  the  cause  of 
Christ,  to  expose  themselves  to  disgrace  and  danger ;  nor 
ought  I,  when  they  had  a  common  task  with  myself,  either  to 
persuade  them  to  do  this,  or  draw  them,  by  my  example,  along 
with  myself  into  a  manifest  peril.  But  to  dispense  with  enu- 
merating these  reasons,  unless  I  had  undisguisedly  declared 
that  satisfaction  had  not  been  afforded  me,  they  would  all  have 
said,  that  because  my  conscience  reproached  me  I  had  fled 
from  fear.  What  you  did  not  dare  to  write,  unless  with  the 
permission  of  those  who  do  not  belong  to  your  body,  always 
displeased  me,  but  because  it  is  not  in  our  power  to  rectify 
what  is  past,  consider  attentively  what  is  now  to  be  done. 
For  my  own  part,  I  wish  that  the  duty  of  my  office  and  my 
conscience  would  permit  me  to  keep  silence  in  the  same  man- 
ner that  I  have  steeled  my  heart  to  endure  every  thing.  But 
when  I  see  the  heavenly  doctrine  of  Christ,  of  which  he  has 
been  pleased  to  make  me  a  minister,  every  where  contume- 
liously  outraged,  how  disgraceful  it  would  be  for  me  to  hold 
my  peace,  as  if  I  were  tongue-tied  !  Should  I  defraud  that 
doctrine  of  the  defence  of  my  words,  for  which  holy  martyrs 
do  not  hesitate  to  pour  out  their  blood?  If  any  one  maintains 
that  there  is  no  other  method  of  making  an  honest  and  legiti- 
mate defence,  except  by  securing  the  approbation  of  an  earthly 
magistrate,  I  have  a  ready  answer,  which  is,  that  I  attach  no 
importance  to  the  suffrages  of  men,  and  willingly  dispense 
with  their  interposing  their  authority,  provided  I  be  not  in 
my  turn  sacrificed  to  their  insidious  prejudices.  But  when 
to  crush  me  under  a  load  of  undeserved  ill-will,  the  edicts, 
which  you  know,  are  every  where  disseminated,  unless  I  make 
head  against  them,  who  would  not  condemn  my  faint-hearted- 


174  THE   PASTORS   OF   BERNE.  [1555. 

ness?  And  should  I  pass  over  even  this — will  it  be  lawful 
for  me  to  devour  in  silence  the  reproaches  which  the  profes- 
sors of  the  same  gospel  throw  out  against  me?  Not  long  ago 
Corbeil  and  Jerome,  a  minister  of  the  class  of  Thouon,  openly 
published  that  I  had  fled  from  Berne  because  I  had  been  con- 
victed of  heresy.  And  upon  the  authority  of  these  persons, 
not  three  or  four,  but  more  than  a  thousand  men  all  over  their 
territory  keep  up  the  cry  that  they  had  settled  the  heretic. 
Were  it  not  better  to  have  been  put  to  death  ten  times  over, 
than  live  to  see  one's  self  so  contumeliously  proscribed? 
To  what  purpose  do  I  mount  the  pulpit  every  day,  if  I  dis- 
semble such  impious  outrages,  with  which  the  whole  canton 
resounds?  If  I  am  ordered  to  abstain  from  the  office  of  teach- 
ing, my  silence  will  be  at  least  a  little  more  excusable.  But 
what  the  Holy  Spirit  prescribes  to  us  cannot  certainly  have 
escaped  your  memory ;  viz.,  that  we  should  stop  the  mouth 
of  gainsayers.  Wherefore  it  will  be  absurd  and  perfectly 
shameful  that  I  should  be  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  unless  I 
frankly  defend  it  when  it  is  openly  and  hostilely  assailed  by 
its  pretended  friends.  Now  when  the  senate  denounces  a 
severe  penalty  on  those  who  shall  dare  to  publish  what  they 
have  learned  from  me,  must  I  wait  till  persecution  let  loose 
its  rage  against  my  brethren,  of  which  the  blame  will  be  im- 
puted to  me?  But  since  they  bear  themselves  weakly  and 
with  less  prudence  than  is  fitting,  it  is  a  superfluous  task 
eagerly  to  make  excuse  to  you,  who  see  in  your  wisdom  what 
necessity  urges  me  on,  whether  I  will  or  no.  Certainly  a 
gentler  remedy  does  not  occur  to  me  than  laying  my  com- 
plaints before  the  senate.  In  which  matter  if  I  implore  your 
protection,  it  seems  to  me  that  I  ask  for  nothing  that  is 
foreign  to  our  common  duty.  But  it  becomes  you,  my  most 
worthy  brethren,  to  look  a  little  deeper  into  the  affair.  With 
your  knowledge  one  of  the  principal  points  of  our  faith  is 
overthrown  by  your  hearers  and  disciples.  They  forbid  un- 
der penalties  any  one  from  saying  a  word  on  that  point. 
After  having  excluded  this  article  of  doctrine  from  the 
churches,  they  also  banish  it  from  the  whole  of  their  territory, 
and  arm  their  servants  but  too  much  disposed  to  create  pro- 


1555.]  THE   PASTOKS   OF    BERNE.  17o 

miscuous  disturbances  against  the  upright  and  simple,  who 
shall  have  been  found  to  have  uttered  a  word  respecting  the 
sacred  ministry  of  God.     For  they  do  not  subject  to  punish- 
ment those  who  shall  have  babbled  any  thing  impious,  or  false, 
or  perverse,  but  every  one  without  exception  who  shall  have 
alluded  to  the  predestination  of  God.     Reflect  whether  this  is 
to  be  endured.     For  my  own  part,  I  would  rather  have  my 
tongue  cut  out,  than  endure  with  dissimulation  such  an  ex- 
ample in  the  church  committed  to  my  care  and  fidelity.     Nor 
have  I  the  least  doubt  but  that  your  dispositions  are  the  same, 
yet  I  have  thought  proper  to  remind  you  familiarly,  that  no- 
thing is  less  fit  than  that  this  cause  should  be  conducted  with 
timidity.     Though  in  other  matters  I  grant  that  offences  are 
to  be  avoided,  in  this  there  is  no  room  for  circumspection. 
Nor  should  that  other  fear  that  all  your  pains  will  be  unavail- 
ing prevent  you  from  acting.     For  if  very  little  liberty,  and 
authority  almost  none,  remains  to  you  at  present,  you  are  by 
no  means  to  wait  till  of  their  own  accord  those  persons  re- 
store either  to  you  ;  for  the  very  name  of  pastors  irritates  and 
exasperates  them ;  they  cannot  endure  our  presence,  and  in  a 
word,  they  would  willingly  sweep  all  remembrance  of  us  from 
the  world.     If  you  are  destitute  of  authority,  at  least  as  the 
first  step  for  the  recovery  of  your  rights,  you  should  reclaim 
vour  liberty,  that  those  who  have  hitherto  with   too  much 
security  hugged  themselves  in  their  sins,  may  at  length  begin 
to  feel,  that  the  servants  of  Christ  are  furnished  with  tongues 
to  admonish  them.     But  though  it  is  I  who  am  personally 
attacked,  yet  since  they  imagine  that  all  of  you  are  wounded 
through  my  sides,  and  the  object  of  this  accursed  conspiracy 
is  perfectly  clear,  I  beg  and  entreat  of  you,  worthy  and  vener- 
able brethren,  that  you  strive  with  no  Jess  zeal  to  vindicate 
our  common  ministry,  than  with  rabid  audacity  you  see  those 
dogs  rising  up  to  overturn  it.     For  even  should  we  be  dis- 
posed to  remain  passive,  it  will  not  be  surprising  if  the  per- 
versity of  these  men  rouse  us  from  our  lethargy.  -Nor  am  I 
altogether   without    hope   either,   that    the   attention    of   the 
senate  may  be  awakened  by  serious  admonitions  so  as  to  de- 
vise  some   feasible   method   of  calming   these  disturbances. 


176  THE   SEIGNEURS    OF    BERNE.  [1555. 

Farewell,  most  excellent  sirs  and  respectable  brethren.  May 
the  Lord  direct  you  by  the  spirit  of  zeal  and  constancy,  and 
bless  all  your  endeavours. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  copy. — Library  of  Zurich.     Coll.  Hottinguer,  F.  46,  p.  656.] 


CCCXCYrIIL— To  the  Seigneurs  of  Berne.' 

Respectful  protestations  against  the  sentence  pronounced  by  the  Seigneurs  of  Berne — 
defence  of  the  Institution  Chritienne — complaints  against  the  ministers  who  pursue 
him  with  their  calumnies. 

Geneva,  4th  May  1555. 

Eight  worshipful  and  honourable  Seigneurs, — When 
not  long  ago  I  was  in  your  city,2  for  the  purpose  of  entreating 
you  to  put  an  end  to  the  troubles  and  scandals  which  some 
emissaries  of  Satan  had  stirred  up  here,  though  I  was  deputed 
by  my  Seigneurs  and  superiors,  nevertheless,  seeing  in  your 
decree  several  articles  that  concerned  me  individually,  I  pre- 
sented myself  before  you,  as  you  know,  in  my  own  name,  and 
as  a  private  person,  requiring  you  to  examine  more  diligently 
the  cause  in  order  to  give  a  good  decision,  not  so  much  from 
respect  to  me,  as  for  the  honour  of  God  and  his  gospel,  the 
edification  of  the  Christian  church,  the  salvation  of  your  sub- 
jects, and  finally  for  the  tranquillity  even  of  your  own  state, 
which  cannot,  and  should  not,  be  separated  from  the  consid- 
eration of  these  matters.  Now  in  what  concerns  my  own  per- 
son it  is  possible  that  it  might  be  sufficient  to  have  once  for 
all  satisfied  mv  own  conscience,  as  I  did  at  that  time,  were  it 
not  that  I  am  forced  when  the  evil  increases  to  look  for  a 
remedy,  as  much  as  in  me  lies,  or  at  least  to  protest  that  as  far 
as  the  matters  in  question  depended  on  the  right  accomplish- 

1  See  the  preceding  letters,  as  well  as  the  extracts  from  the  Registers  of  the  Council, 
of  the  month  of  April  1555.  We  read  in  them  at  the  date  of  the  23d  April :  "  Calvin 
declares  to  the  council  that  he  is  not  well  satisfied  with  the  answer  of  Berne  respecting 
ecclesiastical  affairs,  whereupon  he  has  the  intention  of  replying  to  them.  Decided 
that  he  should  not  do  so  without  having  shewn  his  answer  to  the  Council." 

8  The  month  of  April  preceding. 


1555.]  THE   SEIGNEURS    OF   BERXE.  177 

ment  of  my  duty,  they  should  have  been  managed  better. 
But  besides  that,  a  double  necessity  urges  me  to  renew  my  im- 
portunities. For  according  to  the  last  answer  given  me  on 
my  remonstrance  which  I  made  both  in  writing  and  by  word 
of  mouth,  I  expected  that  in  writing  to  your  ministers  you 
would  furnish  them  with  an  occasion  of  keeping  up  peace  and 
fraternity  with  us,  who  are  already  united  with  them  by  the 
ties  of  a  common  doctrine.  Now  without  much  enquiry  I 
perceive  the  common  rumour  to  be,  that  the  doctrine  which 
we  preach  is  held  to  be  condemned.  I  am  convinced  that  such 
was  not  your  intention;  but  if  you  have  declared,  as  in  the 
last  answer  but  one,  which  was  given  us  in  your  city,  that  the 
books  printed  by  us  respecting  the  secret  purposes  of  God 
tend  rather  to  ruin  than  to  edification,  you  must  in  your  wis- 
dom perceive  that  I  am  thereby  indirectly  condemned;  and 
not  only  I,  but  the  whole  church  of  Geneva,  since  the  book  in 
question  was  the  result  of  an  agreement  and  resolution  come 
to  by  all  of  us  in  common.  And  on  this  point  we  are  not  the 
only  persons  concerned,  for,  thank  God!  we  are  so  fully  agreed 
with  the  ministers  both  of  your  town  and  country,  that  our 
cause  cannot  be  condemned  without  bringing  prejudice  to  the 
faith  that  is  preached  to  you  and  your  subjects.  Wherefore  I 
have  been  astonished  that  in  this  matter  you  should  have  in- 
sisted on  your  disputation  '  and  reform,  as  if  we  had  been  dis- 
posed to  make  any  changes  thereupon.  And  yet  I  protested 
the  contrary,  and  the  truth  will  be  found  to  be  that  my  doc- 
trine so  unjustly  calumniated  is  conformable  to  your  disputa- 
tion. But,  moreover,  it  is  to  be  noted,  that  in  your  disputation 
all  the  articles  of  faith,  were  not  discussed.  Wherefore,  just 
as  you  will  not  reject  the  common  doctrine  of  Christians  re- 
specting the  Trinity  or  the  resurrection  of  the  dead,  under  the 
pretext  that  your  disputation  says  not  one  word  on  these  heads, 
so  it  is  unreasonable  that  other  articles  should  be  set  aside  for 
the  same  reason,  viz.,  that  there  has  no  notice  been  taken 
of  them.  For  the  intention  of  those  who  laboured  in  that 
work  was  to  shew  that  the  reform  which  they  introduced  in 
opposition   to  the   Papists  is  just  and  holy.     Thus  from  it 

1  See  vol.  i.  p.  45.     Note  3. 
23 


178  THE  SEIGXEURS   OF   BERNE.  [1555. 

nothing  can  be  concluded  that  militates  against  us.  For  the 
rest,  when  you  affirm,  that  in  your  opinion  it  is  not  necessary 
to  compose  books  enquiring  into  the  secret  things  of  God,  I 
beg  you  to  reflect  to  what  this  may  lead;  nor  need  I  discourse 
long  on  this  head.  For  in  your  country  several  persons  blas- 
pheme against  the  holy  predestination  and  eternal  counsels 
of  God,  in  a  manner  that  nobody  would  dare  to  do  among  the 
Papists.  I  am  willing  to  admit  that  respecting  this  deep  and 
incomprehensible  mystery  we  should  be  sober  and  humble, 
and  had  you  seen  the  work  which  has  been  unjustly  censured 
in  the  presence  of  your  excellencies,  you  would  have  found 
that  the  object  of  it  is  to  tame  down  and  mortify  the  audacity 
of  men,  and  dispose  them  to  adore  with  all  fear  the  majesty 
of  God  without  giving  the  reins  to  their  curiosity.  But  if 
people  will  indiscreetly  put  down  this  doctrine,  they  attempt  to 
correct  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  will  consequently  be  under  the 
necessity  of  erasing  from  the  holy  Scriptures  what  is  there 
revealed  to  us.  I  am  even  astonished  why  I  should  be  singled 
out  to  be  made  the  object  of  attack,  since  upon  comparison  it 
will  be  found  that  I  have  held  a  mode  of  teaching  much  more 
moderate  than  the  most  learned  doctors  of  Germany,  who  in 
our  times  have  commented  on  the  gospel.  Wherefore  I  en- 
treat you,  according  to  the  saying  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  that  in 
order  to  judge  with  truth,  you  have  no  respect  of  persons;  for 
should  my  works  be  buried  in  oblivion  along  with  my  name, 
yet  of  the  Prophets  and  Apostles,  from  whom  I  have  derived 
and  drawn  this  doctrine,  most  assuredly  not  one  shall  pass 
away. 

I  cannot  conceal  from  you,  right  worshipful  Seigneurs,  a 
fear  which  is  not  moreover  unfounded,  that  there  is  great  dan- 
ger of  your  falling  into  an  extreme  confusion,  if  in  seeing  the 
concord  that  by  the  grace  and  infinite  goodness  of  God  reigns 
among  your  ministers,  you  take  not  some  good  measures  for 
appeasing  the  troubles  that  have  been  so  violently  excited. 
Not  long  ago  I  was  compelled  to  tell  you  a  truth,  which  is, 
that  in  keeping  this  matter  in  suspense,  you  were  fomenting 
a  fire,  which  it  would  be  impossible  for  you  or  any  human 
creature  to  quench.     Wherefore  I  beseech  you,  worshipful 


1555.]  THE   SEIGNEURS    OF   BERNE.  179 

Seigneurs,  not  for  my  sake,  but  for  your  own  good,  and  eternal 
welfare,  to  weigh  well  what  comes  from  God  and  his  word,  that 
without  gainsaying  it  may  be  received  and  approved  with  all 
reverence.  What  is  more,  not  only  your  ministers,  but  seve- 
ral of  your  subjects  are  informed  that  John  Lange  did  not 
calumniate  my  doctrine  with  respect  to  predestination,  as  was 
fully  represented  to  you,  but  on  an  entirely  different  point. 
There  is  no  man  who  preaches  the  gospel  who  does  not  con- 
demn and  disown  what  was  said  by  him  in  the  congregation 
as  an  error  not  to  be  tolerated,  and  which  strikes  at  the  very 
root  of  our  salvation.  Without  adducing  other  examples,  had 
he  not  the  effrontery  to  say  that  /  laid  too  great  stress  on  the 
humanity  of  Jesus  Christ?  To  Avhich  reproach  I  reply,  that 
if  Jesus  Christ  were  not  in  all  respects  man,  and  in  all  respects 
God,  he  could  not  be  our  Redeemer.  But  such  people  care 
very  little  about  that,  provided  they  can  detract  from  my 
reputation.  In  like  manner  you  saw  how  Zebede*e  could  not 
deny  in  your  presence,  that,  in  writing  in  favour  of  that  exe- 
crable heretic  Servetus,  he  had  asserted  that  the  fire  of  God 
would  consume  the  fire  of  France,  as  the  fire  of  France  had 
consumed  that  of  Spain;  wherein  he  especially  broke  out 
against  the  right  worshipful  Seigneurs  of  Geneva,  your  fel- 
low citizens,  blaming  an  act  of  justice  executed  by  them,  and 
an  act  universally  approved  of.  But  that  need  not  astonish 
us,  since  he  had  the  effrontery  thus  to  blame  them  in  your 
presence,  if  we  reflect  that  the  disgrace  and  reproach  redounded 
to  you,  who  by  your  letters  had  exhorted  our  Seigneurs  to 
purge  the  world  of  such  a  pest."     But  I  deem  it  unworthy  of 

1  The  following  is  the  letter  of  the  Seigneurs  of  Berne  to  those  of  Geneva  respecting 
Servetus  :  "  Noble,  and  right  worshipful  Seigneurs,  cherished  friends,  well  beloved  and 
trusty  fellow-burghers,  we  have  received  your  letters,  dated  the  21st  September,  touch- 
ing Michael  Servetus,  and  having  seen  and  duly  heard  the  contents  thereof,  forthwith 
as  you  desire,  we  have  ordered  our  ministers  here  to  examine  the  book  and  the  answers 
of  the  said  Servetus,  and  afterwards  to  write  to  you  their  good  advice  and  opinions ; 
which  they  have  done,  as  you  shall  learn  by  the  letters  which  they  write  to  you.  We 
pray  you,  as  we  doubt  not  that  you  are  so  inclined,  to  keep  a  high  hand  that  the  errors 
and  sects  such  as  are  the  above  said,  or  similar  ones,  be  not  propagated  in  the  church 
of  Jesus  Christ  our  only  Saviour,  and  thereby  guard  against  trouble  and  adversity,  and 
advance  and  increase  his  glory. 

"  Given  the  6th  October  1553. 

"  The  Advoyer  and  Council  of  Berne." 


180  THE   SEIGNEURS   OF   BERNE.  [1555. 

myself  to  complain  any  further  of  persons  who  without  reason 
have  unjustly  outraged  me,  and  I  patiently  endure  contumely 
from  which  I  trust  that  God  will  deliver  me.  For  while 
it  is  my  wish  by  such  a  conduct  to  shun  clamours  and  strife, 
I  have  determined  to  look  to  you  for  support,  who  ought,  as 
Christian  Princes,  to  uphold  with  your  protection  all  those 
who  faithfully  serve  God,  and  contend  for  his  truth,  and  I 
pray  you  a  second  time,  if  you  find  that  I  teach  nothing  but 
sound  and  pure  doctrine,  not  to  suffer  me  to  be  cried  down  in 
a  more  odious  manner,  than  I  am  among  the  Papists.  I  need 
not  mention  that  the  tailor  of  Rolle  whom  you  condemned  to 
make  an  apology,  has  since  boasted  of  his  having  maintained 
in  your  presence,  that  I  am  a  heretic.  But  what  is  worse,  both 
Jerome  your  preacher  at  Servant  with  whom  I  never  had  any 
dispute,  and  Corbeil  deacon  of  Morges,  in  whose  favour  I  in- 
terested myself  when  he  was  in  prison,1  have  openly  proclaimed 
in  the  streets  before  sufficient  witnesses,  that  you  have  con- 
demned me  as  a  heretic.  This  fiction  is  now  so  current  in 
your  country,  that  people  speak  of  it  as  confidently  as  if  it 
were  the  gospel.  Now  I  think  it  is  not  just,  when  I  labour 
day  and  night  in  the  service  of  the  church,  and  for  the  main- 
tenance of  the  truth,  that  I  should  reap  such  sorry  thanks  for 
my  pains.  True  it  is,  I  shall  never  on  account  of  the  world's 
ingratitude  cease  to  do  what  God  commands  me,  nevertheless 
it  is  your  duty  to  see  that  I  be  not  wrongfully  oppressed,  since 
my  labours,  on  the  contrary,  deserve  that  I  should  meet  with 
encouragement. 

For  the  rest,  so  long  as  such  unbridled  licence  shall  be  cur- 
rent, I  ought  not  to  be  so  dastardly  as  not  to  stand  up  for  the 
quarrel  which  I  know  to  be  that  of  God.  As  I  have  always 
desired,  however,  to  be  serviceable  to  your  churches,  and  to 
see  the  doctrine  of  the  gospel  flourish  in  them,  I  entreat  that 
you  would  be  pleased  to  provide  that  the  faith  which  is  daily 
preached  to  you,  be  not  lightly  spoken  of,  nor  derided  in  my 

1  Fellow  prisoner  of  the  five  students  of  Lausanne,  Louis  Corbeil  would  have  shared 
their  fate  but  for  the  intervention  of  the  Seigneurs  of  Berne,  who  claimed  him  as  their 
subject  and  thus  saved  him  from  the  stake.  (Documents  of  the  Library  of  Saint 
Gall.) 


1555.]  FAREL.  181 

name.  For  were  that  permitted,  it  is  not  at  all  doubtful,  that 
very  shortly  our  Lord  will  send  among  us  a  horrible  disper- 
sion, the  beginnings  of  which  are  already  but  too  apparent. 

With  respect  to  the  letters,  which  they  object  to  me,1  since 
you  did  not  think  proper  to  proceed  further  in  that  matter, 
when  I  offered  to  clear  up  my  character,  I  do  not  see  the  ne- 
cessity of  making  any  other  excuses  than  those  which  I  made 
to  you  both  orally  and  in  writing. 

Thus,  right  worshipful,  puissant,  and  honourable  Seigneurs, 
not  to  trouble  you  any  further,  I  will  supplicate  our  heavenly 
Father  to  govern  you  by  his  Spirit  in  all  wisdom  and  upright- 
ness, to  have  you  in  his  holy  keeping,  and  increase  you  in  all 
good. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.-    Vol.  108.] 


CCCXCIX.— To  Farel. 

Increased  hostility  at  Geneva  and  in  the  neighbouring  countries  against  the  writings 
and  person  of  the  Reformer. 

Geneva,  lbth  May  1555. 

You  will  learn  from  our  countryman,  M.  de  Sechelles.2  why 
I  gave  him  no  letters  when  he  started  for  your  city,  unless 
perhaps  he  has  already  confessed  that  the  neglect  was  owing 
to  himself;  for  he  did  not  inform  me  in  time  of  his  departure. 
When  we  supped  together  at  Cornet's,  I  was  surprised  to  hear 
that  he  intended  to  set  off  on  the  following  day.  But  his  fault 
may  be  the  more  readily  excused  that  he  should  have  taken 
along  with  him  a  letter  containing  nothing  interesting.  Even 
at  present,  though  I  have  no  want  of  materials  of  the  most 
varied  kind,  yet  I  scarcely  know  what  to  write  to  you.     It 

1 "  And  though  we  are  informed  by  some  letterg  which  the  often  named  John  Calvin 
has  written  and  sent  to  certain  personages,  by  which  he  refutes  and  condemns  the 

doctrine  of  Zuingli,  respecting  the  Sacraments,  calling  it  false  and  pernicious 

about  which  we  should  have  good  and  just  reasons  to  institute  an  enquiry,  and  make 
complaints  of  him  and  take  advice  thereupon,  nevertheless  we  omit  to  do  so  for  the 
present."  The  Seigneurs  of  Berne  to  those  of  Geneva,  3d  April  1555 ;  a  letter  already 
quoted. 

s  A  French  gentleman  established  at  Frankfort. 


182  ADOLPH   CLAUBURGER.  [1555. 

serves  no  purpose  to  tell  you  what  a  cloud  of  ignorance  Satan 
has  spread  every  where  around  us.  Things  here  are  in  the 
greatest  confusion.  All  the  neighbourhood  is  incensed 
against  us,  and  fresh  fuel  is  every  day  added  to  increase  the 
flame.  As  if  the  wicked  were  not  madly  enough  bent  on  out- 
raging me,  their  animosity  is  whetted  by  the  encouragement 
it  receives  from  the  countenance  of  the  powerful.  Moreover 
they  now  begin  to  put  my  books  openly  to  the  ban,  for  form- 
erly they  contented  themselves  with  attacking  them  indirectly. 
I  solemnly  beseech  you,  dear  Farel,  now  to  remember  me 
specially  in  your  prayers.  Not  to  afflict  you  to  no  purpose 
as  well  as  myself,  I  dispense  with  adding  any  thing  more. 
Our  friends  salute  you  most  cordially.  May  God  always  gov- 
ern, protect,  and  bless  you.     Amen. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

Of  the  intestine  divisions  of  our  city,  I  fear  that  ere  long 
you  will  have  sad  news.     For  the  fury  of  the  wicked  exults 
too  licentiously.     In  the  council  there  is  but  little  gravity. 
[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  207  a.] 


CCCC. — To  Adolph  Clauburger.1 

Testimonies  of  gratitude  and  respect  for  the  Senate  of  Frankfort. 

Geneva,  May  1555. 

Some  time  ago,  most  renowned  sir,  I  was  reminded  by  Valeran 
Poulain,  when  he  was  describing  to  me  the  state  of  your  city, 
of  your  affection  towards  me.  Because  he  said  it  was  chiefly 
owing  to  your  assistance  and  that  of  your  cousin  that  he  had 
been  enabled  to  assemble  a  church  in  your  town  for  the  per- 
sons speaking  our  language,2  he  begged  me  to  express  to  you  my 

1  A  pious  and  learned  doctor  of  Frankfort.  He  died  at  the  end  of  this  year,  as  wo 
learn  from  a  letter  of  John  Clauburger  to  Calvin,  1st  December,  1555  (Library  of 
Geneva,  vol.  109.) 

a  In  a  letter  of  the  8th  February,  this  minister  signalized  in  the  following  terms  to 
Calvin  the  troubles  which  began  to  divide  the  foreign  congregation  of  Frankfort :  "  It 
is  a  thing  horrid  to  be  said,  what  great  power  of  Satan  I  have  found  within  the  last 


1555.]  ADOLPH    CLAUBURGER.  183 

thanks  on  that  subject.  Since  that  time,  not  only  that  I  might 
comply  with  the  wishes  of  my  fellow  pastors,  but  because  I 
thought  it  my  duty,  I  deemed  that  some  token  of  gratitude 
was  due  to  you.  But  because  he  begged  of  me  also  to  shew  a 
like  mark  of  respect  to  your  illustrious  senate,  I  preferred  to 
suspend  the  matter  till  a  more  fitting  opportunity  presented 
itself.  In  the  mean  time  M.  de  Sechelles  '  came  here,  one  of 
my  principal  friends,  not  only  on  account  of  our  common 
country,  but  because  he  is  endowed  with  such  ability  and 
candour  of  mind  as  gains  the  affections  of  all  good  men.  After 
he  too  had  spoken  loudly  in  my  presence  of  your  virtues, 
and  had  as  it  were  pledged  himself,  if  I  should  publish  any 
of  my  lucubrations  dedicated  to  the  Senate  of  Frankfort,  that 
my  courtesy  would  not  be  disagreeable,  I  was  persuaded  at 
length  by  his  encouragement,  and  did  not  hesitate  to  inscribe 
to  you  my  harmony  of  the  three  Evangelists  which  was  then 
in  the  press.  Not  that  it  required  much  persuasion  to  decide 
me  to  do  what  of  my  own  accord  I  was  sufficiently  inclined 
to,  but  his  words  increased  my  confidence  and  alacrity,  espe- 
cially as  he  promised  that  his  influence  and  authority  should 
not  be  a  wanting  to  me  when  I  should  offer  this  mark  of  my 
respect.  Now,  though  there  is  no  reason  why  any  one  should 
•envy  you  if  I  should  pay  to  you  as  well  as  to  your  cousin  the 
tribute  of  a  handsome  eulogium,  merited  by  the  nobility  of  your 
family,  and  to  which  your  own  erudition  and  other  distinguished 
accomplishments  so  peculiarly  entitle  you;  yet,  lest  any  one 
should  malignantly  express  astonishment  why  the  work  had 
been  inscribed  to  one  or  two  persons,  rather  than  to  your 
whole  order,  I  have  designedly  abstained  from  all  particular 
mention  of  you.  It  is  well  however  that  in  the  senate  your 
dignity  stands  out  so  conspicuously,  which  you  maintain  be- 
sides by  your  wisdom,  courtesy,  and  every  species  of  virtue, 


year  among  many  people  beyond  the  Rhine,  who,  when  they  can  no  longer  excuse  their 
impious  dissimulation  with  the  Papists,  have  recourse  to  abuse  and  slanders  against 
some  most  pious  ministers  of  God  and  the  churches,  in  order  that  they  may  have  a 
feasible  pretext  for  apostatizing  from  tbjem  and  making  their  peace  with  Babylon." 
(Library  of  Geneva,  vol.  112.) 
1  A  French  refugee  at  Frankfort. 


184  JOHN   CLAUBURGER.  [1555. 

that  of  an  honour  that  is  offered  to  all  you  cannot  imagine  any 
part  deducted  from  yourself.  This  however  I  should  desire 
to  obtain  from  you,  that,  as  I  am  unknown  to  the  greater  part 
of  you,  you  would  honour  the  book  with  your  approbation. 
But  in  this  matter,  I  tax  your  politeness,  however,  only  so  far 
as  to  judge  and  appreciate  the  work  by  its  merits  and  accord- 
ing to  your  own  opinion.  Farewell,  most  distinguished  and 
highly  respected  sir.  May  the  Lord  continue  to  govern  you 
by  his  Spirit,  and  support  you  by  his  power,  and  bestow  on 
you  and  your  family  every  blessing. 

[Lat.  ong. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107,  a.] 


CCCCI. — To  John  Clauburger.1 

Dedication  of  a  writing  to  the  Senate  at  Frankfort. 

Geneva,  May  1555. 

Since  I  have  formed  the  resolution,  and  felt  encouraged  to 
write  to  you  from  no  other  motive  than  your  kindly  feelings 
towards  me,  which  dispose  me  to  believe  that  a  letter  from  me 
will  not  be  disagreeable  to  you,  I  shall  then  make  no  long 
apology  for  troubling  you.  For  when  some  of  my  friends* 
lately  informed  me  by  letter,  that,  principally  by  your  influ- 
ence and  that  of  your  most  accomplished  cousin,  your  most 
worshipful  senate  had  kindly  and  hospitably  received,  and 
still  continues  courteously  to  protect  our  brethren,  exiles  and 
fugitives  from  their  country,  they  added  at  the  same  time  that 
you  both  felt  and  expressed  good  will  for  me  and  were  grati- 
fied by  my  writings.  These  reports  were  lately  confirmed  by 
M.  de  Sechelles/a  nobleman  and  one  of  my  most  intimate 
friends,  so  that  I  do  not  hesitate  to  commend  to  you  a  book 
publicly  inscribed  and  dedicated  to  your  order,  lest  it  should 
be  an  object  of  suspicion  to  many  persons  who  do  not  know 
the  author,  unless  it  be  accredited  by  grave  and  proper  pa- 

1  A  member  of  the  senate  of  Frankfort.  We  see  by  a  letter  of  John  Clauburger  to 
Calvin,  that  he  had  known  the  Reformer  at  the  Conferences  of  Ratisbon,  and  formed 
at  that  period  friendly  connections  with  him.     (Librury  of  Geneva,  vol.  109.) 


1555.]  BULLIXGER.  185 

trous.  And  yet  it  is  not  my  intention  to  task  your  politeness 
further  than  to  beg  you  to  honour  my  work  with  your  coun- 
tenance, as  far  as  its  own  merits  will  permit.  For  I  would 
not  have  it  thought  that  I  had  wrung  from  you  by  my  flatte- 
ries this  act  of  courtesy,  lest  my  zeal  in  marking  my  respect 
for  you,  which  I  wish  to  be  approved  of,  should  be.taxed  with 
rashness  or  folly.  Farewell,  most  excellent  and  honourable 
sir.  May  the  Lord  always  stand  by  you,  govern,  and  bless 
you,  and  your  family. 

[Lat.  orig. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  10T  «.] 


CCCCII.— TO  BULLIXGER.1 

Defeat  of  the  party  of  the  Libertins  at  Geneva — answer  of  the  Swiss  churches  to  the 
defence  of  the  Consensus. 

Geneva,  about  9  o'clock,  oth  June  1555. 

Of  our  disturbances  many  rumours  have  no  doubt  already 
reached  you,  nor  are  they  without  a  foundation  this  time,  for 
a  single  night  had  very  nearly  brought  ruin  on  us  all,  and  on 
the  city  along  with  us.  But  by  the  marvellous  counsels  of 
God  it  turned  out  that  the  remedy  preceded  the  danger  to 
which,  without  being  aware  of  it,  we  had  all  been  exposed. 
When  the  whole  of  that  faction  which  has  been  continually 
hostile  to  us  for  the  last  three  years,  saw  themselves  defeated 
in  every  manner,  they  formed  a  resolution  such  as  desperate 
men  are  wont  to  adopt.  Slaves  it  is  true  were  not  let  loose 
from  their  prison  houses,  as  of  old,  when  slaves  existed,  but 
worthless  vagabonds  were  convoked  in  the  taverns  to  sell 
their  mercenary  services.  When  in  two  places,  as  is  estab- 
lished by  unquestionable  evidence,  a  supper  had  been  given 
gratis  to  a  band  of  scoundrels,  all  of  a  sudden  a  tumultuous 

■It  was  not  long  before  the  anticipations  of  Calvin  were  realized.  In  the  night  of 
the  ISth  May  the  Libertins  by  a  riot,  endeavoured  to  seize  upon  the  power  which 
escaped  them  in  the  counsels  of  the  republic.  See  the  different  historians  of  Geneva, 
Spon,  Picot,  for  an  account  of  this  riot,  which  turned  out  unfavourably  to  the  party 
which  had  attempted  it,  and  brought  on  the  final  victory  of  the  French  party  and  the 
triumph  of  the  Calvinistic  Institutions  at  Geneva. 
24 


186  BULLINGER.  [1555. 

attack  was  made  on  the  city  watch  ;  as  there  was  not  one  hon- 
est man  among  them,  they  all  began  to  bawl  out  frequently 
to  arms.  The  French,  whom  they  designated  by  name,  were 
continually  in  their  mouths,  by  whom  they  said,  the  city  had 
been  betrayed.  Of  the  French,  not  an  individual  made  his 
appearance.  A  few  of  the  citizens  followed  the  syndics  who 
had  been  roused  from  their  beds.  The  syndics  were  exposed 
to  so  much  violence,  that  nothing  like  it  had  ever  been  wit- 
nessed within  the  memory  of  men.  The  result,  however,  was 
very  different  from  what  these  rioters  had  anticipated.  They 
had  settled,  if  any  one  of  the  French  people  had  stirred  out, 
to  dispatch  him,  sing  out  victory,  and  immediately  after  to 
butcher  the  four  syndics  and  the  leaders  of  the  council.  But 
the  Lord  exposed  them,  stripped  of  their  false  colours,  to  de- 
rision. As  for  the  rest,  proceedings  against  them  were  con- 
ducted with  so  much  moderation,  that  their  chief  more  than 
once  took  his  seat  among  the  judges,  and  heard  even  the  evi- 
dence that  was  brought  against  himself,  which  he  was  at  lib- 
erty to  contradict.  But  when  a  tumult  began  to  arise,  ordered 
to  quit  the  court,  he  took  to  flight  with  four  of  his  accom- 
plices. The  others  are  kept  in  fetters  and  will  probably  be 
examined  in  a  few  days.  A  capital  punishmeni  was  pro- 
nounced against  the  fugitives,  after  their  culpability  had  been 
sufficiently  demonstrated.  Since  that  time  there  has  been  a 
certain  degree  of  trepidation  in  the  city,  but  public  order  has 
nevertheless  been  strictly  preserved.  If  you  desire  to  have  a 
more  ample  account  of  the  whole  affair,  I  shall  feel  no  reluc- 
tance to  make  it  my  business  to  give  it  you.  Just  now  how- 
ever I  am  afraid  you  would  think  me  silly  were  I  to  go  on 
collecting  all  the  petty  details  of  vulgar  gossip.  [We  are 
still  in  ignorance  of  what  has  been  decided  at  Berne  respect- 
ing our  cause.  As  I  am  so  great  an  object  of  hatred  among 
some,  I  perceive  that  they  will  scarcely  make  an  end  of  rais- 
ing disturbances,  unless  I  shall  have  to  give  way  perhaps  to 
their  profligate  fury.1] 

For  our  defence  the  inhabitants  of  Coire  have  thanked  us 
some  time  ago  in  the  name  of  all  the  churches  of  the  Grisons. 

1  These  words  were  effaced,  but  whether  by  Calvin  or  some  other  is  uncertain. 


1555.]  THE    DUCHESS    OF   FERRARA.  187 

Of  the  people  of  Schaff hausen  I  say  nothing,  whose  letter  you 
yourself  sent  to  me.  The  men  of  St.  Gall  have  also  let  us 
know  that  they  have  most  willingly  subscribed.  What  our 
friend  Sulzer  replied,  as  I  am  ashamed  to  tell  it  in  my  own 
words,  I  prefer  that  you  should  learn  from  his  own  letter.  I 
have  always  feared  his  lukewarmness,  while  he  wishes  to 
appear  the  healer  of  strife.  I  expected  something  better  or  at 
least  less  insipid.  But  since  he  does  not  dissent  from  us,  we 
must  welcome  him.  Since  the  time  I  refuted  his  objections, 
I  know  not  whether  he  has  yielded  a  little  from  his  former 
opinions,  at  least  he  has  kept  silence.  From  Germany  we 
have  no  news  of  a  peaceable  state  of  things.  You  know  that 
between  France  and  the  emperor  certain  treaties  were  on  foot, 
but  nothing  is  more  certain  than  war.  The  Turkish  fleet 
moreover  it  is  said  is  advancing,  which  would  derange  ten 
treaties  of  peace.  I  was  informed  too  late  of  the  departure  of 
the  messenger,  when  I  had  to  study  after  supper  the  subject 
of  to-morrow's  sermon.  Farewell,  then,  most  accomplished 
sir,  and  most  respected  brother ;  salute  in  my  name  your  fel- 
low pastors  and  your  family.  I  add  also  M.  Lismannini. 
May  God  continually  protect  and  govern  you  all.  Amen. — 
Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lot.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 


CCCCIIL — To  the  Duchess  of  Ferrara.1 

New  exhortations  to  encourage  her  to  shew  herself  more  and  more  firm  in  the  profes- 
sion of  the  truth. 

10th  June  1555. 

Madam, — Though  I  could  have  wished  to  have  better  news 
of  you,  to  wit,  that  with  tranquillity  of  mind  you  were  serv- 

1  Letter  without  an  address,  having  for  date  nothing  but:  this  10th  June 

Written  to  the  Duchess  of  Ferrara  in  1555,  on  the  occasion  of  the  persecutions  which 
this  princess  had  had  to  suffer  for  her  attachment  to  the  Reformed  faith,  and  which 
did  not  entirely  cease  with  her  captivity.  See  the  letter  of  the  2nd  February,  p.  155. 
It  is  to  these  domestic  trials  that  the  Reformer  alludes  in  the  following  passage  : 


188  THE   DUCHESS   OF   FERRARA.  [1555. 

ing  God  in  peace,  nevertheless  I  rejoice  to  learn,  that  you  are 
not  weary  of  groaning  and  being  in  pain,  in  order  to  seek  for 
the  means  of  fulfilling  your  duty.  Thus  it  becomes  us  to  do 
battle,  to  follow  the  Son  of  God.  So  sure  it  is  that  Satan 
never  suffers  God  to  be  fully  honoured  by  ns,  without  his 
laying  obstacles  in  our  way.  For  your  share  you  have  much 
more  of  them  than  others ;  but  our  heavenly  Father  knows 
well  why  he  so  proves  you,  for  the  anguish  which  you  expe- 
rience is  a  trial  of  your  faith,  to  make  you  feel  the  value  of 
that  inestimable  treasure,  the  gospel,  which  is  so  much  despised 
by  the  world.  It  remains  for  you  to  take  courage  for  the 
future,  and  however  long  you  may  have  yet  to  languish, 
always  to  hope  for  a  favourable  issue  to  your  perplexities,  for 
it  is  certain  that  God  will  at  last  listen  to  your  groans,  if  you 
continue  to  request  him  to  hold  out  his  hand  to  you.  Only 
let  it  grieve  you  that  you  are  prevented  from  laying  yourself 
out  to  glorify  his  name.  Such  sorrow  is  a  hundred  times 
more  to  be  desired  than  the  rejoicing  of  those  who  flatter  them- 
selves in  their  lukewarmness.  Nevertheless  it  behoves  you 
to  be  on  the  watch  for  every  opportunity  which  God  shall 
afford  you  of  making  further  progress. 

It  is  truly  the  office  of  God  to  lead  us  on  like  poor  blind 
persons,  when  we  are  brought  to  a  stop  with  all  our  human 
means,  and  to  devise  expedients  which  we  should  never  have 
thought  of,  enabling  us  to  surmount  every  obstacle  though  all 
the  while  we  see  not  a  whit.  It  is  at  the  same  time  our  office 
to  pray  him  to  be  pleased  to  open  our  eyes,  that  as  soon  as  he 
gives  us  some  sign  we  may  immediately  follow  it.  Spare  not 
then  to  put  in  practice  day  by  day  all  the  means  in  your 
power  to  advance  in  the  right  path.  So  doing,  though  you 
may  still  be  far  from  the  mark,  it  will  not  be  in  vain  that  you 
stretch  towards  it,  for  our  progress  is  certain,  provided  we 

"You  feel  for  your  share  more  of  them  than  many  others ;  but  our  merciful  Father 
knows  well  wherefore  he  proves  you  thus,  for  the  anguish  you  experience  is  a  trial  of 
your  faith,  to  make  you  feel  the  value  of  that  inestimable  treasure,  the  gospel,  which 
is  so  much  despised  of  the  world."  This  letter  was  carried  to  the  Duchess  of  Ferrara 
by  the  Marquis  of  Vieo,  a  Neapolitan  nobleman,  a  refugee  at  Geneva.  He  left  this 
city  the  loth  June  1555,  charged  by  Calvin  with  a  secret  mission  for  Renee.  See 
La  vie  de  Galias  Caraccioli,  Marquis  de  Vieo.    Amsterdam,  1684.  1  vol.  18mo. 


1555.]  JOHN   KNOX.  189 

keep  following,  however  faintly  ;  and  such  an  assurance  should 
fortify  us  to  resist  all  temptations.  For  if  worldlings  labour 
at  random  with  so  much  ardour  for  some  hope  of  which  they 
are  often  frustrated,  how  should  we  strive  who  have  the  pro- 
mise of  God  to  assure  us  of  our  salvation  !  Nevertheless, 
Madam,  let  not  this  consideration  lull  you  into  security,  so  as 
to  make  you  cease  to  regret  continually  the  miserable  bondage 
in  which  you  are  held,  as  in  truth  we  may  expect  deliverance 
from  God  when  we  feel  keenly  the  wretchedness  of  our  prison- 
house.  On  the  contrary,  he  who  takes  delight  in  his  unhappy 
state,  shuts  the  door,  as  it  were,  on  the  compassion  of  God. 
Now  I  trust  in  God  that  just  as  he  has  imprinted  on  your 
heart  a  singular  affection  to  do  him  honour,  so  will  he  at  the 
same  time  increase  and  open  up  the  means  of  putting  in  prac- 
tice the  good  will  with  which  he  has  endowed  you,  since  it 
belongs  to  him  both  to  begin  and  to  perfect  the  good  work. 
Thus  I  confidently  hope  that  he  is  powerful  to  save,  and  that 
it  is  in  that  work  that  he  will  put  forth  his  strength.  On  my 
part  I  will  also  pray  him  that  he  may  always  have  you  in  his 
holy  keeping,  increase  you  in  knowledge,  zeal,  and  constancy, 
and  in  all  good,  that  you  may  contribute  more  and  more  to 
his  glory. 

Charles  D'Espeville. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  108.] 


CCCCIV.— To  John  Knox.1 

Criticism  of  the  Anglican  Liturgy — prudent  counsels  addressed  to  the  parties  which 
divide  the  foreign  church  of  Frankfort. 

Geneva,  12tk  June  1555. 

I  answer  your  letter,  most  worthy  sirs,  and  truly  honoured 
brethren,  a  little  later  perhaps  than  your  thoughts  and  hopes 

1  See  the  letter  to  the  English  at  Frankfort,  p.  117.  Banished  from  Scotland,  his 
native  country,  at  the  end  of  the  year  1553,  John  Knox,  after  having  for  some  time 
exercised  the  ministry  of  the  gospel  at  Dieppe,  in  Normandy,  had  repaired  to  Geneva 
and  afterwards  to  Frankfort,  where  he  resided  during  the  last  months  of  the  year 
1554.     A  declared  enemy  of  the  practices  and  ceremonies  which  brought  to  mind  the 


190  JOHN  KNOX.  [1555. 

led  you  to  expect.  But  when  you  come  to  know  that  the 
roads  for  some  time  back  have  been  so  beset  by  robbers,  that 
very  few  messengers  could  go  from  here  to  your  city,  I  hope 
you  will  have  no  difficulty  in  excusing  me.  Respecting  that 
contention  which  had  unhappily  sprung  up  among  you,  I  ex- 
pressed my  opinion  freely  to  our  excellent  brother,  Thomas 
Sampson,  as  far  as  I  had  been  made  acquainted  with  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  case  by  the  letters  of  certain  persons.  For 
some  friends  had  complained  to  me  that  you  insisted  so  per- 
emptorily on  the  Anglican  ceremonies,  that  it  was  evident 
you  were  more  wedded  to  the  usages  of  your  country  than  is 
fitting.  I  confess  indeed  that  I  heard  you  had  publicly  pro- 
duced the  reasons  which  did  not  permit  you  to  deviate  from  a 
received  form.  The  refutation  of  these  reasons,  however,  was 
both  obvious  and  easy.  And  as  I  exhorted  those  who  differed 
from  you  to  give  way  a  little  with  what  moderation  they 
could,  so  I  own  it  displeased  me,  that  in  your  turn  you  neither 
gave  up  nor  conceded  anything  of  your  opinions.  But  as  the 
name  of  no  one  was  specially  mentioned  to  me,  I  did  not 
venture  to  interfere,  lest  my  confidence  should  incur  the  blame 
of  rashness.  At  present  I  rejoice  that,  in  the  management  of 
the  dispute,  you  have  been  more  courteous  and  tractable,  and 
that  the  whole  business  has  been,  amicably  arranged.  Cer- 
tainly no  one  I  think  who  is  possessed  of  a  sound  judgment, 
will  deny  that  lighted  tapers,  and  crucifixes,  and  other  trum- 
pery of  the  same  description,  flow  from  superstition.  Whence 
I  lay  it  down  for  certain,  that  those  who  from  free  choice 
retain  these  things,  are  but  too  eager  to  drink  from  polluted 
dregs.  Nor  do  I  see  for  what  reason  a  church  should  be  bur- 
dened with  these  frivolous  and  useless,  not  to  call  them  by 

church  of  Rome,  he  soon  hecame  in  the  English  congregation  of  Frankfort,  the  leader 
of  that  party  which  wished  to  bring  back  public  worship  to  the  strictest  simplicity, 
in  opposition  to  those  who,  like  Richard  Coxe,  Baleus,  and  Sampson,  wished  to  retain 
some  of  the  forms  in  use  in  their  country.  The  representatives  of  the  two  parties 
addressed  themselves  equally  to  Calvin,  who,  though  he  pronounced  an  opinion  un- 
favourable to  the  latter,  gave  to  both  counsels  dictated  by  a  spirit  of  conciliation  and 
meekness.  These  counsels  unfortunately  were  not  listened  to,  and  Knox  and  Witt- 
ingham,  denounced  to  the  magistrates  of  Frankfort  ns  dangerous  innovators,  thought 
of  betaking  themselves  to  Geneva.  See  McCrie,  Life  of  Knox,  p.  85,  and  the  follow- 
ing; and  Th.  Heyer,  Notice  eur  la  Colonie  Anylaise  de  Geneve,  1855. 


1555.]  JOHN   KNOX.  191 

their  real  name,  pernicious  ceremonies,  when  a  pure  and 
simple  order  of  worship  is  in  our  power.  But  I  check  my- 
self, lest  I  should  seem  to  stir  up  a  new  strife,  respecting  a 
matter  which,  as  I  hear  from  you,  is  happily  set  at  rest.  This 
indeed  I  do  not  dissemble,  that  in  my  opinion  N.  was  neither 
piously  nor  fraternally  dealt  with,  if  it  is  true,  that  at  the 
clandestine  suggestions  of  certain  persons,  he  had  criminal 
charges  brought  against  him.  For  it  was  better  to  remain  in 
one's  country  than  to  carry  into  distant  regions  the  brands  of 
unjust  cruelty,  to  inflame  even  those  who  were  averse  to  dis- 
cord. But  as  I  am  loth  to  allude  even  slightly  to  faults  of 
which  I  would  have  the  recollection  buried  in  perpetual  for- 
getfulness,  I  shall  only  exhort  you,  venerable  brethren,  if  you 
shall  find  the  minds  of  any  still  sore  from  rankling  feelings, 
that  you  will  do  your  best  to  appease  their  resentment. 
"When  I  heard  that  a  part  of  you  intended  to  quit  your  pre- 
sent residence,  I  carefully  admonished  them,  as  was  my  duty, 
that  if  it  was  not  convenient  for  all  to  inhabit  the  same 
place,  yet  that  separation  to  a  distance  should  not  break  up 
your  fraternal  union.  For  I  was  afraid  that  some  lurking 
grudge  arising  from  former  contentions  might  still  subsist, 
and  nothing  would  be  more  grateful  to  me  than  to  be  relieved 
from  this  apprehension.  For  if  by  chance  any  of  you  should 
retire  to  this  place,  the  very  suspicion  of  secret  discord 
among  yourselves  would  be  afflicting  to  me.  Therefore  I 
greatly  desire  that  what  I  hear  of  your  return  to  feelings  of 
mutual  good  will  is  solid  and  stable,  that  if  any  of  you  chance 
to  wander  elsewhere,  though  separated  by  place  you  may  cul- 
tivate a  holy  friendship.  For  though  your  discord  should 
spread  no  farther,  already  more  than  sufficient  mischief  has 
been  done.  Tt  will  then  belong  to  your  wisdom  and  equity, 
in  order  that  kindly  affections  be  kept  up,  sedulously  to  dis- 
perse whatever  remains  there  may  be  of  estrangement.  Fare- 
well, respected  brethren.  May  the  Lord  have  you  in  his  keep- 
ing, govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  accompany  you  with  his  bless- 
ing, and  mitigate  the  affliction  of  your  exile.  My  colleagues 
affectionately  salute  you. 

[Calvin's  Lot.  Corresp.     Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  98.] 


192  BULLINGER.  [1555. 


CCCCV.— TO  BULLINGER.1 

Account  of  the  nocturnal  riot  excited  by  the  Libertins  at  Genera — defeat  and  total 
dispersion  of  that  party. 

Geneva,  15th  June  1555. 

With  the  request  contained  in  your  last  letter  that  I  should 
give  you  a  more  distinct  and  detailed  account  of  our  recent 
riot,  I  comply  the  more  willingly,  because  it  is  very  much  our 
own  interest  that  the  affair  should  be  put  in  a  proper  light 
among  you  and  your  neighbours.  For  it  is  perfectly  well 
known  that  unfavourable  reports  are  spread  about  concerning 
us,  and  that  too  by  the  artifices  of  those  who  for  their  own  ad- 
vantage wish  to  render  us  every  where  an  object  of  detestation. 
You- will  therefore  do  us  a  very  acceptable  service,  if  you  will 
take  the  trouble  to  have  read  over  to  your  illustrious  senate 
the  substance  of  what  I  am  about  to  write  to  you.  Besides', 
if  it  is  not  tasking  your  patience  too  much,  I  should  wish  a 
part  of  my  letter  to  be  copied  and  sent  to  our  brethren  the 
ministers  of  Schaffhausen,  that  they  too  may  acquit  our  city 
of  the  defamatory  charges  brought  against  it.  Here  is  an 
exact  statement  of  the  whole  affair.  There  were  in  the  senate 
two  unprincipled  men  and  audacious  to  the  highest  pitch  of 
impudence,  both  also  in  the  most  abject  poverty.  The  one 
was  named  Perrin,  the  other  Vandel.  The  former  being  Capitan 
of  the  city  had  attached  to  his  person  a  rabble  of  profligate 
fellows,  by  holding  out  to  them  the  prospect  of  impunity  for 

1  Vanquished  in  a  last  struggle,  the  party  of  the  Libertins  sought  to  stir  up  against 
Geneva  the  enmity  of  the  Cantons  in  spreading  calumnies  against  the  Reformed  party, 
and  misrepresenting  the  character  of  the  events  which  had  brought  about  the  definitive 
triumph  of  Calvin.  At  Berne  as  at  Zurich  these  false  accounts  threw  men's  minds 
into  trouble.  The  Council  of  Geneva  took  the  alarm :  "  It  is  related  that  there  are 
people  at  Zurich  and  elsewhere  who  give  an  account  of  the  things  which  took  place 
during  the  tumult,  quite  different  from  the  real  state  of  the  transactions  and  to  the 
disadvantage  of  our  city."  Organ  of  the  Seigneury  in  these  grave  circumstances, 
Calvin  addressed  to  Bullinger,  at  the  request  of  the  lattor,  a  circumstantial  account  of 
the  whole  affair,  which  was  to  be  transmitted  also  to  the  ministers  of  Basle  and 
Schaffhausen. 


1555.]  BULLINGER.  193 

their  crimes.  For  whatever  knavish,  riotous,  or  dissolute  act 
was  committed  throughout  the  city,  to  screen  the  offender  from 
the  punishment  of  the  laws,  he  was  ever  ready  to  undertake 
his  defence.  The  other  was  his  trusty  abetter  in  all  these  en- 
terprises. A  part  of  the  senate,  whom  they  gained  by  their  flat- 
teries, was  at  their  disposal.  They  forced,  through  their  fears, 
certain  mean  creatures  to  obsequiousness — creatures  who  were 
unable  to  maintain  their  rank,  if  not  countenanced  by  these 
men.  Their  kinsmen  bound  to  them  by  the  tie  of  relationship 
chimed  in  with  them.  By  all  these  means  their  power  had 
been  so  firmly  established  in  the  lesser  council,  that  scarce! v 
any  one  dared  to  resist  their  humour.  Certainly  all  judicial 
proceedings  had  for  several  years  been  directed  at  their  plea- 
sure, and  this  sale  of  justice  was  a  secret  to  nobody.  Not 
only  the  city  saw  this,  but  even  among  our  neighbours  and 
foreigners,  through  their  fault,  we  were  very  ill-spoken  of. 
And  loud  were  the  complaints  of  a  great  many,  because  they 
were  frequently  molested  and  outraged  by  the  most  atrocious 
acts  of  villany.  If  any  one  of  an  inferior  condition  exposed 
their  misdeeds,  their  vengeance  was  prompt.  The  reproaches 
of  their  equals  they  devoured  in  silence.  In  the  mean  time 
however  many  had  become  callous  to  servitude;  all  edicts  were 
regarded  as  so  much  waste  paper.  Finally,  provided  only 
people  were  favoured  by  them,  all  fear  of  the  laws,  all  respect 
for  decency  was  set  aside.  For  the  judges,  together  with  the 
prefect  of  the  town,  were  annually  appointed  but  as  they  sig- 
nified their  wishes;  and  to  such  a  pitch  did  their  insolence 
proceed,  that  the  people  themselves,  after  having  elected  by 
their  votes  I  know  not  what  ragamuffins,  or  rather  the  basest 
scum  of  the  populace,  were  horrified  at  their  own  disgrace. 
This  last  year  indeed  all  avowed,  that  if  the  elections  had  been 
entrusted  to  the  enemies  of  the  city,  it  was  not  possible  for  more 
worthless  men,  and  with  more  contempt  for  decency,  to  be 
raised  to  honours.  And  when  formerly  if  the  lesser  council 
had  committed  any  fault,  the  two  hundred  were  accustomed 
to  afford  some  remedy  for  its  errors  and  defects,  now  they  have 
obtruded  on  the  latter  body  many  of  the  dregs  of  the  popula- 
tion, partly  noisy  and  turbulent  young  men,  partly  individuals 
25 


194  BULLINGER.  [1555. 

of  flagitious  and  dissolute  lives.  And  lest  they  should  fail 
in  having  a  majority,  without  paying  any  attention  to  the  es- 
tablished number,  they  have  thrust  into  the  crowd  whosoever 
they  think  will  be  most  fit  for  their  purposes.  In  a  word  their 
license  was  so  disorderly,  that  certain  broke  forcibly  into  the 
council  who  were  not  even  elected  by  themselves.  That  was 
the  faction,  which,  seeing  the  judgment  of  the  church  alone 
opposed  a  barrier  to  them  and  checked  the  unlimited  impunity 
granted  to  all  kinds  of  vices,  in  order  that  every  vestige  of  dis- 
cipline should  disappear,  stirred  up  a  contest  with  us  about 
the  right  of  excommunication,  nor  ceased  to  turn  every  thing 
upside  down,  till  after  much  contention  we  obtained  that  they 
should  at  least  consult  the  Churches  of  Switzerland.  But  as 
your  answer  defeated  the  hopes  and  wishes  of  those  profligate 
men,  we  afterwards  enjoyed  a  little  more  tranquillity;  not  how- 
ever that  from  that  time,  ever  on  the  watch  for  an  opportu- 
nity, and  shaking  off  all  sense  of  shame,  they  did  not  attempt  to 
break  through  every  restraint.  Moreover  tired  of  being  kept  in 
continual  agitation,  at  length  we  plucked  up  courage  to  attack 
them  in  our  turn,  and  so  force  them  to  take  some  decisive 
step.  And  here  in  a  wonderful  manner  God  disappointed  their 
expectations.  For  in  that  promiscuous  rabble  we  gained  the 
majority  of  votes.  Soon  after  followed  the  elections  for  the 
syndics  in  which  an  unexpected  revolution  showed  itself. 
Here  indeed  these  depraved  men  began  to  vent  their  fury 
openly,  because  they  saw  themselves  forcibly  reduced  to  order. 
They  began  then  insolently  to  attempt  many  things  in  order 
to  undermine  the  existing  order.  Our  party  always  held  it 
sufficient  to  quash,  without  any  disturbance,  or  at  least  to  im- 
pair their  attempts.  But  because  it  was  perfectly  evident  that 
they  were  gaping  after  innovations,  the  council  resolved  to 
oppose  an  excellent  remedy  to  their  license.  Of  the  French 
sojourners  who  have  long  lived  here,  and  whose  probity  was 
well  known,  some  were  adopted  into  the  rank  of  citizens,  to 
the  number  of  fifty  perhaps.  The  worthless  felt  how  much 
more  secure  the  party  of  the  good  would  be  rendered  by  this 
succour.  They  therefore  thought  that  they  should  leave  no 
stone  unturned  in  order  to  defeat  this  design.     The  affair  was 


1555.]  BILLINGER.  195 

discussed  among  them  every  where  in  the  cross  ways,  about 
the  taverns,  and  clandestinely  in  private  houses.  When  they 
had  drawn  over  certain  persons  to  their  project,  they  began  to 
make  head  against  us,  not  only  with  murmurings  but  open 
threats.  The  prefect  of  the  city  was  suborned,  who,  accompa- 
nied by  a  numerous  but  vile  and  disreputable  crew,  going  up 
to  the  town  house,  signified  to  the  council  the  danger  of  its 
persisting  in  its  scheme.  This  escort  was  principally  com- 
posed of  watermen,  fishermen,  cooks,  and  confectioners,  and 
such  like  gentry.  Mixed  up  with  them  were  many  foreigners.  As 
if  without  the  aid  of  such  champions,  the  city  could  not  pro- 
tect its  rights.  The  council  replied  with  dignity  that  they 
were  introducing  no  new  precedents,  but  such  as  had  been 
sanctioned  by  the  immemorial  practice  of  the  city;  that  it  was 
shameful  indeed  that  now  both,  an  ancient  usage  of  the  city 
should  be  abrogated,  and  those  expelled  from  the  rank  of 
citizens  who  had  been  so  long  and  so  honourably  settled  in 
the  city ;  and  finally,  that  from  themselves  should  be  wrested  a 
privilege  which  had  been  transmitted  from  the  remotest  period. 
But  because  the  council  conceived  that  they  should  not  pro- 
ceed against  them  by  any  rigorous  exercise  of  power,  they  for 
the  present  accorded  a  pardon  to  their  open  conspiracy.  The 
prefect  was  sharply  reprimanded  for  having  lent  his  aid  to  in- 
solent men,  in  so  unjust  a  cause.  At  the  same  time,  a  decree 
was  voted  for  convoking  the  two  hundred,  and  when  the 
affair  was  carried  before  them,  the  decision  of  the  lesser  council 
was  ratified,  and  permission  granted  them,  that  henceforth  at 
their  good  pleasure  they  might  select  from  the  French  sojourn- 
ers those  on  whom  they  wished  to  confer  the  rights  of  citizen-  J 
ship.  But  before  the  two  hundred  had  passed  this  last  decree, 
the  fury  of  those  suddenly  broke  out  more  violently,  who,  as 
is  generally  the  case  in  desperate  situations,  had  determined 
to  hazard  the  most  perilous  extremities.  For  from  a  nocturnal 
riot  the  state  was  brought  almost  to  the  brink  of  ruin.  The 
day  preceding  this  event,  a  dinner  scot-free  had  been  given 
to  a  number  of  scoundrels.  The  ringleaders  feasted  else- 
where, of  whom  one  whom  I  have  named  Yandel,  took  on 
himself  the  expenses  of  the  dinner,  Perrin  those  of  the  sup- 


106  BULLINGER.  [1555. 

per.  In  the  mean  time  rumours  flew  about,  many  suspicious 
symptoms  were  remarked,  so  that  it  was  not  without  reason 
that  honest  men  entertained  fears  for  themselves.  Now  it  is 
the  custom,  when  the  sentries  for  the  night  have  been  stationed 
at  the  gates,  for  the  captain  of  the  watch  to  go  his  rounds  and 
inspect  the  posts.  This  duty  each  of  the  senators  takes  in 
his  turn.  When  the  sentries  of  that  night  were  posted  in  the 
middle  of  the  city,  they  hear  a  shout  at  no  great  distance.  For 
in  the  quarter  situated  behind  the  booths  of  the  market  place, 
an  individual  hit  by  a  stone  cried  out  that  he  was  killed. 
The  guards  in  the  discharge  of  their  functions  run  up  to  him. 
Against  them  rush  out  two  brothers,  boon  companions  of 
Perrin  and  Vandel,  men  indeed  of  the  lowest  class,  confec- 
tioners by  trade,  but  who  had  supped  gratis  at  the  same  table. 
It  was  then  evident  that  the  affair  had  been  got  up  on  pur- 
pose, since  two  men  alone  had  ventured  to  attack  several  who 
were  armed;  and  this  both  of  them  confessed  to  the  judges 
and  several  others,  and  to  myself  in  private.  Nevertheless 
when  they  were  led  to  trial,  they  denied  that  they  had  excited 
a  tumult  by  any  concerted  signal,  but  they  were  convicted  by 
so  many  proofs,  that  their  impudence  was  of  no  service  to 
them.  This  indeed  they  did  not  at  all  deny,  that  the  same 
day  between  dinner  and  supper  they  had  accompanied  Perrin, 
who  had  gone  for  his  recreation  to  a  country  house  in  the 
neighbourhood,  and  on  the  road  there  had  been  a  talk  of  five 
hundred  men  to  be  called  from  some  other  place  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  city.  When  during  their  afternoon's  collation 
the  conversation  had  been  renewed  on  that  subject,  Perrin 
disconcerted  by  the  arrival  of  some  workmen  had  enjoined 
silence,  repeating  in  German,  Schwik,  Schwik.1  But  as  that 
countrv  house  was  situated  beyond  the  limits  of  the  Genevese 
jurisdiction,  he  had  said,  that  there  a  shelter  and  entertain- 
ment had  been  prepared  for  those  who  should  perpetrate  any 
capital  crime  in  the  city.  The  tumult  still  increasing,  one  of 
the  syndics  who  chanced  to  be  at  no  great  distance,  with  the 
rod  which  is  the  badge  of  his  office,  and  lighted  torches,  came 
among  them.    And  so  great  is  the  respect  which  this  people 

1  Schwik  in  the  pntois  of  Switzerland  for  Schweig. 


1555.]  BULLINGEK.  197 

has  always  entertained  for  this  sacred  rod,  that  at  the  sight  of 
it,  not  only  have  the  greatest  disturbances  been  appeased,  but 
even  when  they  have  come  to  bloodshed,  their  fury  is  checked. 
One  of  those  brothers  with  drawn  sword  rushes  against  the 
syndic.  The  syndic,  relying  on  the  badge  of  his  authority, 
lavs  hands  upon  him,  that  he  may  be  led  away  to  prison. 
Several  of  the  faction  fly  to  the  aid  of  their  confederate.  The 
lights  are  put  out  in  the  scuffle,  and  they  declare  that  they  will 
not  suffer  an  excellent  comrade  to  be  dragged  to  prison.  Im- 
mediately Perrin  presents  himself,  and  at  first,  feigning  a 
desire  for  pacification,  wrenches  away  the  syndic's  rod,  whis- 
pering in  his  ear,  It  is  mine,  not  yours.  The  syndic,  though 
a  man  of  diminutive  stature,  was  not  however  inclined  to 
yield  it,  and  struggled  manfully  and  stoutly  against  this  vio- 
lence. In  the  mean  time  a  cry  was  everywhere  raised  along 
the  streets  and  spread  about  almost  in  a  moment,  that  the 
Frenchmen  were  in  arms,  and  the  city  betrayed  by  treachery; 
the  house  of  the  senator  who  was  that  night  captain  of  the 
watch,  was  crowded  with  armed  men.  Emissaries  shouted  out 
tumultuously  for  those  whom  they  knewto  be  favourable  to  their 
party.  Perrin,  when  he  was  fully  persuaded  that  his  band 
was  sufficiently  strong,  began  to  vociferate,  We  are  in  pos- 
session of  the  syndic's  rod,  for  it  is  in  my  hands.  To  this  cry 
no  mark  of  approbation  was  returned,  and  nevertheless  he 
wassurrounded  by  conspirators,  so  that  it  was  very  evident  that 
they  were  held  back  by  some  mysterious  suggestion  from  God. 
Then  troubled  with  shame  and  at  the  same  time  terrified,  he 
gave  ground  a  little.  But  falling  in  with  the  other  syndic,  a 
relation  of  his,  he  wrested  from  him  by  force  and  with  great 
violence  his  rod  of  office.  The  latter  called  out  for  help — that 
his  person  was  assaulted,  that  the  rights  of  the  city  were  vio- 
lated. But  as  the  profligate  party  was  much  superior  in  force 
of  arms,  on  the  complaint  of  the  syndic,  no  one  moved  a  foot 
to  come  to  his  aid.  But  again  a  kind  of  religious  scruple 
held  back  some  of  the  very  worst  from  chiming  in  with  Per- 
rin. Thus  compelled  by  fear,  he  privately  gave  back  the  rod 
of  office.  There  was  now  in  arms  a  numerous  body  of  villains. 
One  cry  was  every  where  heard — The  Frenchmen  must  be 


198  BULLINGER.  [1555. 

massacred — the  city  has  been  betrayed  by  them.  But  the 
Lord  in  a  wonderful  manner  watching  over  his  wretched 
exiles,  partly  threw  them  into  so  deep  a  sleep  that,  during 
these  horrid  outcries,  they  were  tranquilly  reposing  in  their 
beds ;  partly  strengthened  their  hearts  so  that  they  were  not 
dismayed  by  the  threats  nor  fears  of  danger.  What  is  certain 
none  of  them  stirred  out  of  the  house.  J^nd  by  this  single 
miraculous  interference  of  God,  the  rage  of  the  ungodly  was 
defeated  because  no  one  presented  himself  to  the  conflict. 
For  they  had  resolved,  as  was  afterwards  clearly  discovered, 
if  any  should  essay  to  defend  themselves,  after  having  dis- 
patched a  few,  they  should  fall  on  the  others,  as  if  the  sedi- 
tion had  originated  with  us.  Nor  were  the  sojourners  alone 
threatened,  but  some  cried  out  that  their  protectors  should  be 
put  to  death,  and  punishment  inflicted  on  the  senate.  And 
here  remark  the  clemency  of  our  senate ;  for  though  the 
authors  of  so  atrocious  a  cry  were  arrested  and  convicted,  not 
only  were  their  lives  spared,  but  even  a  moderate  chastise- 
ment was  not  inflicted  upon  them,  so  that  they  were  not  even 
beaten  with  rods.  The  syndics,  while  they  give  orders  for  the 
council  to  be  assembled,  hurry  up  and  down  the  city.  But 
these  wicked  men,  relying  on  their  numbers,  not  only  elude 
and  despise  their  commands,  but  pursue  them  with  outrageous 
hootings,  so  that  there  was  small  hope  of  any  remedy.  Never- 
theless, contrary  to  our  expectations,  through  divine  interpo- 
sition this  tempest  gradually  blew  over.  Two  days  after  it 
was  decreed,  that  an  enquiry  should  be  set  on  foot  respecting 
this  public  outrage.  The  council  having  spent  three  days  in 
summoning  witnesses,  that  no  one  might  say  that  he  was 
crushed  under  false  pretences,  call  together  the  two  hundred. 
While  the  evidence  is  being  taken,  among  the  other  judges 
were  seated  even  those  who  had  conspired.  According  as  any 
of  these  appeared  chargeable  with  guilt,  or  violently  suspected 
of  doubtful  conduct,  they  were  ordered  to  leave  the  court,  as 
it  was  impossible  they  could  be  sufficiently  impartial  to  pro- 
nounce a  proper  sentence.  But  Perrin,  seeing  his  crime  de- 
tected, made  his  escape  with  three  others.  The  general  coun- 
cil, of  which  the  just  indignation  had  been  kindled  by  the 


1555.]  BULLINGER.  199 

atrocity  of  the  thing,  decreed  that  the  crime  of  conspiracy 
should  be  severely  punished,  and  exhorted  the  lesser  council, 
whose  prerogative  it  is  to  exercise  judicial  functions,  to  exact 
an  exemplary  penalty.  The  runaways  are  cited  to  appear  by 
the  first  pursuivant,  then  by  the  public  crier,  according  to  the 
usual  forms,  that  is  by  sound  of  trumpet  during  fifteen  days. 
They  having  sent  letters  under  their  own  hand  declare  that 
they  will  not  present  themselves  unless  the  public  faith  be 
pledged  for  their  safety.  But  it  would  have  been  the  height 
of  absurdity,  that  culprits  who  were  held  to  plead  their  cause 
in  bonds  should,  like  privileged  persons,  be  excused  from 
complying  with  the  formalities  of  the  laws.  On  the  day  ap- 
pointed then  five  were  condemned.  But  before  the  judges 
gave  their  sentence,  in  the  presence  of  the  whole  people  the 
charges  were  read  over,  of  which  it  was  necessary  that  the 
persons  should  be  fully  convicted,  who,  being  called  to  take 
their  trial,  did  not  establish  their  innocence.  The  confession 
of  those  on  whom  punishment  was  inflicted,  followed  soon 
after,  and  they  are  still  in  prison.  Whence  it  is  evident  that 
they  are  too  criminal  and  mischievous  to  find  any  loophole 
for  escape.  And  yet  as  they  are  men  of  the  most  unabashed, 
effrontery,  they  do  not  cease  to  spread  odious  reports :  that 
they  had  been  borne  down  by  unmerited  odium,  because  they 
had.  defended  the  cause  of  the  citizens  against  the  French  and 
the  council  devoted  to  the  French.  As  if,  forsooth,  the  two 
hundred  to  whose  prejudices  they  have  fallen  a  sacrifice  were 
not  of  the  citizens.  As  if  they  had  been  expelled  by  a  hos- 
tile army.  As  if  the  common  people,  if  they  saw  the  defen- 
ders of  their  liberties  cruelly  oppressed,  would  suffer  so  great 
an  injustice.  But  on  the  contrary,  all  disturbances  have  been 
appeased  since  their  departure.  The  mist  which  they  had 
spread  over  affairs  has  been  dissipated ;  the  laws  have  recov- 
ered their  vigour ;  tranquillity  has  been  restored  to  the  city. 
Those  who  at  their  request  came  here  to  intercede  for  them, 
saw  that  the  city  was  not  torn  by  opposite  factions,  was  not 
inflamed  by  any  contentions,  but  with  the  tranquil  consent 
of  all,  the  sentence  passed  on  them  was  approved  of.  As 
they  are  gifted  with  the  most  consummate  impudence,  they 


200  BULLINGER.  [1555. 

not  only  extenuate  the  crime  they  have  committed,  but  by 
futile  cavils  they  give  out  that  a  charge  has  been  got  up 
against  them  out  of  nothing.  Their  assertions  however  it  is 
not  difficult  to  refute.  They  assert,  for  example,  that  it  is  not 
probable  that  when  they  could  dispose  of  a  numerous  band 
of  men,  they  would  by  themselves  without  a  strong  guard 
have  rushed  to  arms.  As  if  indeed  it  were  a  rare  thing,  or  of 
un frequent  occurrence,  that  wicked  men  blinded  by  fury,  rush 
headlong  to  their  own  ruin.  Certainly  whatever  they  pre- 
tend, an  evident  madness  urged  on  one  of  the  band  to  knock 
down  a  man  by  throwing  a  stone,  whence  the  outcry  arose. 
The  same  blindness  of  mind  impelled  the  two  brothers,  when 
with  drawn  swords  they  made  an  attack  upon  armed  guards. 
And  then  insolently  and  with  mockery  to  make  light  of  the 
commands  of  the  syndics,  whom  to  disobey  has  always  been 
judged  a  capital  offence,  is  not  only  a  sign  by  no  means  am- 
biguous of  sudden  fury,  but  of  audacity  meditated  beforehand 
and  long  meditated  between  themselves.  Moreover  the  cry 
so  unanimously  uttered  by  all  of  them  respecting  the  city  be- 
■•  trayed  to  the  Frenchmen,  could  only  have  proceeded  from  a 
preconcerted  plan.  For  unless  by  a  mutual  compact  they  had 
given  each  other  this  war  cry,  how  was  it  possible  that  an  ex- 
pression produced  by  chance,  should  have  been  so  uniform, 
and  uttered  almost  instantaneously  in  places  so  distant  from 
each  other?  For  the  wife  of  that  Yandel  whom  I  have  spoken 
of,  going  from  door  to  door,  summoned  those  whom  she  be- 
lieved would  be  for  their  faction,  accusing  the  French  of  trea- 
son. But  this  indeed  is  what  was  avowed  by  a  creature  of 
Perrin's,  one  of  those  with  whom  he  was  on  the  most  intimate 
footing.  For  he  confessed  that  those  two  ringleaders  of  the 
sedition,  four  or  five  days  before,  had  in  an  interview  ex- 
changed with  one  another  words  to  this  effect.  Wherefore  do 
we  not  shake  off  inertness,  if  in  so  short  time  we  are  sure  to 
pay  dearly  for  our  cowardliness?  It  is  now  three  years  since 
our  enemies  have  conspired  to  massacre  us.  (In  the  list  of 
these  enemies  moreover  he  assigned  to  me  the  first  place.)  It 
is  then  absolutely  necessary  to  anticipate  their  projects.  And 
now  we  are  furnished  with  an  excellent  pretext.     We  will 


1555.]  BULLINGER.  201 

say  that  it  is  not  the  interest  of  the  commonwealth,  that  so 
many  persons  should  have  the  rights  of  citizenship  conferred 
on  them.  We  shall  obtain  nothing  either  in  the  lesser  coun- 
cil or  among  the  two  hundred.  We  will  appeal  to  the  people. 
The  multitude  will  flock  to  us  even  in  despite  of  the  opposi- 
tion of  the  syndics.  We  will  bribe  some  men  of  our  own 
party  to  get  up  a  tumult.  It  will  be  no  very  difficult  thing 
to  destroy  our  enemies.  Let  us  only  show  boldness,  we  are 
certain  of  the  victory.  This  is  what  that  bosom  friend,  who 
followed  Perrin  like  his  shadow,  four  distinct  times  repeated. 
Let  them  deny  that  they  have  been  justly  condemned,  they 
who  in  the  midst  of  a  popular  assembly,  in  a  sacred  place, 
had  formed  the  resolution  of  murdering  two  of  the  syndics, 
several  senators,  the  most  virtuous  of  the  citizens,  all  inno- 
cent men.  Of  myself  I  say  nothing,  whom  they  have  gratui-  y 
tously  assumed  to  be  their  personal  enemy.  For  what  their 
effrontery  invented  to  colour  their  own  proceedings,  viz:  that 
I  was  plotting  assassination,  is  too  foul  a  calumny  to  need  to 
be  refuted.  And  yet  the  council  has  not  up  to  this  moment 
brought  Vandel  to  a  trial.  But  he  has  quitted  the  city,  self- 
banished  by  his  own  evil  conscience.  Thus  it  will  be  abun- 
dantly evident,  that  after  so  great  a  tumult  the  moderation 
which  is  wont  to  be  observed  in  a  tranquil  state  of  things, 
has  not  been  departed  from,  and  that  no  measure  was  craftily 
or  precipitately  adopted  against  these  profligate  men.  On  the 
contrary,  had  you  been  here,  you  would  have  been  apt  to  say 
that  our  council  had  proceeded  slackly  and  with  remissness. 
But  it  is  preferable  to  have  erred  on  this  side,  lest  any  one 
should  preposterously  complain,  that  they  had  been  treated, 
as  sometimes  happens  in  the  first  burst  of  resentment,  with 
vindictive  severity.  May  the  Lord  grant  that  the  remem- 
brance of  so  great  a  deliverance  may  continually  stir  us  up  to 
gratitude  and  bind  us  to  our  duty.  When  I  began  to  dictate 
this  letter,  I  had  no  idea  that  it  would  be  conveyed  to  you  by 
our  friend  Othman.  For  though  he  had  spoken  to  me  of  his 
journey,  yet  as  he  seemed  uncertain  whether  he  should  go 
straight  to  your  city,  I  had  determined  to  employ  another 
messenger.  Now,  as  circumstances  have  turned  out,  lam  not 
26 


\ 


202  THE   SEIGNEURS   OF   BERNE.  [1555. 

a  little  pleased  at  being  able  to  profit  by  this  opportunity, 
because  if  any  thing  from  the  brevity  of  my  account  be  rather 
obscure,  he  will  be  able  in  conversation  to  repeat  and  explain 
it  more  fully.  As  you  have  twice  exhorted  me  to  patience, 
I  may  remark,  that  it  seems  to  me  I  have  calmly  endured, 
and  as  it  were  swallowed  so  many  indignities,  that  in  keep- 
ing down  my  resentment,  my  courage  also  has  failed  me.  I 
wish  that  by  my  silence  and  dissimulation,  I  could  at  least 
appease  those  who,  from  hatred  to  me,  cease  not  to  rage  against 
all  good  men.  But  though  the  madness  which  has  already 
spread  but  too  widely  be  still  more  inflamed  by  this  reserve, 
still  it  is  my  firm  resolution  not  to  interfere.  I  am  glad  that 
N.  has  obtained  an  office  in  which  he  may  usefully  exercise 
himself.  May  the  Lord  enable  him  faithfully  to  discharge  its 
duties.  I  wish  him  and  N.  all  prosperity.  You  will  present 
my  most  affectionate  respects  to  all  your  fellow  pastors,  as 
well  as  to  your  wife  and  family.  Farewell,  most  accomplished 
sir,  and  ever  respected  brother.  May  the  Lord  continue  to 
direct  you  by  his  Spirit,  and  accompany  you  with  his  bless- 
ing.— Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Calvin's  Lat.  Corresp.     Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  101.] 


CCCCVI. — To  the  Seigneurs  of  Berne.1 

Communication  relative  to  a  spy  arrested  at  Geneva. 

10th  July  1555. 

Bight  worshipful  Seigneurs, — With  respect  to  the  en- 
terprises of  which  we  have  informed  you,  two  motives  urged 

1  Exposed  to  the  enmity  of  the  Catholic  powers,  and  the  hatred  of  the  Lihertins 
which  she  had  recently  banished  from  her  bosom,  the  Republic  of  Geneva  was  threat- 
ened by  continual  plots,  which  she  denounced,  by  the  hand  of  Calvin,  to  the  Seigneurs 
of  Berne. 

27th  July  1555:  "An  advertisement  that  Perrin  had  intrigued  with  the  Duke  of 
Savoy  to  have  two  thousand  men  with  whom  he  made  sure  of  retaking  Geneva — decreed 
to  give  notice  of  it  to  the  Seigneurs  of  Berne. 

The  Bernese  reply  that  if  we  wish  to  ask  them  to  do  justice  on  Perrin  respecting 


1555.]  THE   SEIGNEURS    OF    BERNE.  203 

us  to  make  haste.  First  we  were  of  opinion  that  the  impor- 
tance of  the  matter  as  it  concerns  you,  deserved  that  you  should 
be  made  acquainted  with  it  as  early  as  possible.  Next,  if  you 
thought  fit  to  have  the  man  whom  we  detain,1  confronted  with 
the  person  whom  we  have  reason  to  suspect,  according  to  the 
marks  and  proofs  which  our  prisoner  affords  us,  to  know  the 
real  state  of  the  matter,  it  were  desirable  that  this  too  should 
be  speedily  done.  Now  though  we  did  not  name  the  emissary 
whom  we  suspected,  we  now  declare  that  our  conjecture  lights 
on  Balthazar  Sept,2  because  his  stature,  complexion,  ac- 
coutrements, every  thing  in  short,  exactly  tallies  with  the  de- 
positions of  the  man  whom  we  have  arrested.  Add  to  that 
we  have  learned  from  other  sources,  that  the  said  Balthazar 
was  absent  precisely  at  the  period  in  question,  of  which  cir- 
cumstance, moreover,  we  have  excellent  reasons  to  hope  that 
we  shall  be  more  fully  informed;  other  news  too  which  has 
come  to  our  knowledge  confirms  us  in  this  opinion.  As  to 
demanding  justice,  such  is  not  our  intention.  But  because 
the  affair  concerns  you  as  well  as  us,  we  have  thought  it  most 
expedient  to  communicate  it  to  you,  that  each  of  us  may  con- 
tribute our  part  to  throw  light  upon  it.  For  this  reason  we 
have  thought  proper  to  dispatch  to  you  the  present  bearer,  to 
let  you  know  that  we  still  detain  the  man  who  made  the  re- 
port, in  order  to  confront  him,  if  need  be,  with  him  about  whom 
we  entertain  doubts.  Because  the  prisoner  has  given  us  plainly 
to  understand  that,  if  he  is  brought  into  the  presence  of  the 
other,  he  will  recognize  him,  we  will  have  the  former  conducted 
before  your  Lordships,  in  such  fitting  place  as  you  shall  here- 
after advise,  by  summons  in  the  usual  forms.3     We  leave  it  to 

the  above  mentioned  fact,  they  will  do  it — decreed  that  it  is  not  proper  to  ask  them 
to  do  justice."     (Registers  of  the  Council.) 

1  An  Italian  spy,  arrested  at  Geneva,  had  revealed  the  existence  of  a  Catholic  plot 
which  threatened  Berne  herself.  He  affirmed  that  he  had  seen  with  the  prince  of 
Piedmont,  a  citizen  of  Geneva  who  promised  to  deliver  up  the  city,  provided  he  were 
furnished  with  a  supply  of  money. 

3  One  of  the  Libertins  who  had  taken  refuge  on  the  Bernese  territory. 

3  Conducted  to  Berne  by  order  of  the  magistrates  of  Geneva,  and  confronted  with 
Balthazar  Sept,  and  the  principal  Libertins,  the  spy  could  not  recognize  the  person 
whom  he  had  denounced  as  the  agent  of  Perrin,  in  Piedmont.  Chronicle  of  Roset, 
vi.  3,  and  Ruchat  torn.  vi.  p.  141,  142. 


204:  FAREL.  [1555. 

your  discretion,  whether  it  is  expedient  by  this  means  to  as 
certain  the  truth  of  the  fact.  For  in  case  the  person  whom  we 
have  detained  have  made  false  declarations,  it  is  possible  that 
he  may  be  found  to  deserve  chastisement.  Now  we  have  no 
objection  to  inflict  it.  On  our  part  we  are  so  far  from  taking 
up  the  matter  too  keenly,  that  all  we  desire  is  simply  that  the 
whole  of  these  allegations  be  verified  as  the  case  requires. 
And  we  doubt  not,  but  on  your  side  you  will  take  up  the 
affair,  as  if  it  were  your  own,  which  we  affectionately  entreat 
you  to  do;  and  thereupon  we  shall  expect  from  you  a  short 
and  favourable  answer. 

[Fr.  orig.  in  Calvin's  hand. — Arch,  of  Geneva.] 


CCCCVIL— To  Farel. 

Trial  and  condemnation  of  the  principal  Libertins. 

Geneva,  at  night,  l&th  July  1555. 

I  know  not  what  to  write,  dear  Farel,  except  that  my  indo- 
lence is  so  disgraceful  that  I  am  almost  ashamed  to  ask  pardon 
for  my  fault.  The  messenger  had  put  me  in  mind  of  his  de- 
parture too  late.  I  had  still  however  a  little  time  on  my  hands, 
had  not  some  affairs  occupied  me  after  supper  till  night.  Now 
I  have  to  prepare  my  sermon  for  to  morrow,  and  my  bed  calls 
for  me,  if  I  wished  to  consult  my  health.  Wherefore  in  one 
word  I  shall  write  that  the  public  state  of  the  city  is  so  tran- 
quil that  I  have  less  leisure  and  repose  than  in  the  greatest 
disturbances.  The  two  brothers  who  were  executed  gave,  at 
their  death,  proofs  of  the  most  obstinate  disposition.  But  it 
is  well  that  their  disgrace  is  every  day  made  more  and  more 
manifest.  Claude  Noth,  who  you  know  was  the  bosom  friend 
of  Perrin,  though  he  perfidiously  attempts  to  conceal  their 
crimes,  has  nevertheless  disclosed  the  principal  point,  that  the 
riot  had  been  got  up  with  premeditation.  Now  the  younger 
Berthelier,  who  was  arrested  the  day  before  yesterday,  begins 
to  speak  out  clearly.  But  as  yet  I  write  nothing  certain  to 
you,  unless  that  you  will  learn,  from  a  letter  to  M.  Blaurer, 


1555.]  FAREL.  205 

things  which  for  the  most  part  were  already  known  to  you. 
Farewell,  most  worthy  brother.  May  the  Lord  always  stand 
by   you,  preserve,  and   bless  you.     I  particularly   desire   to 

salute  M and  other  friends ;  along  with  Christopher  and 

Maturin.  Our  friends,  to  whom  I  presented  salutations  in 
your  name,  salute  you  in  their  turn,  the  Budes,  Normandie, 
de  Trie,  and  my  brother. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

One  thing  had  escaped  my  memory,  unless  perhaps  I  had 
already  mentioned  it  to  you:  Melanchthon  in  his  last  letter 
assures  me  that  he  will  publish  frankly  and  without  ambiguity 
what  his  opinion  is  about  the  Sacraments. 
[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  113.] 


CCCCVIIL— To  Farel. 

New  details  respecting  the  trial  of  the  Libertins — pious  fidelity  of  the  five  minister! 
in  prison  at  Chambery. 

Geneva,  2\th  July  1555. 

If  I  write  to  you  so  seldom  respecting  the  state  of  our  city, 
impute  the  cause  to  the  slowness  of  those  who  ought  to  fur- 
nish me  with  matter  for  writing,  rather  than  to  my  indolence. 
For  while  the  time  is  spun  out  by  their  dilatory  progress,  I 
am  ashamed  to  write  to  you  that  nothing  has  as  yet  been 
done.  How  wickedly  at  their  death  the  two  brothers  at- 
tempted to  throw  obscurity  on  the  affair,  you  have  no  doubt 
heard  in  your  part  of  the  world.  It  is  well,  however,  that 
their  malice  was  evident  to  every  body,  unless  any  one  chose 
to  be  voluntarily  blind.  And  assuredly  I  am  convinced  that 
not  without  the  judgment  of  God  they  suffered,  contrary  to 
the  sentence  of  the  judges,  a  long  torture  under  the  hand  of 
the  executioner.  Now,  those  who  are  kept  in  fetters  have 
pretty  clearly  revealed  their  misdeeds,  though  these  also 
grossly  mislead  their  judges.  Claude  Noth,  who  you  know 
was  the  bosom  friend  of  Perrin,  has  laid  bare  the  criminal 


206  FAREL.  [1555. 

and  atrocious  conspiracy  which  had  not  yet  been  thoroughly 
known  The  younger  Berthelier  does  not  deny  that  he  threw 
the  stone  by  which  a  man  was  knocked  down.  But  then  both 
of  them  attempt  to  varnish  over  every  thing  with  the  most 
puerile  shuffling.  Before  two  days  we  shall  see,  I  hope,  what 
the  rack  will  wring  from  them.  Moreover,  lest  the  absence 
of  so  many  citizens  should  depopulate  the  city,  as  the  run- 
aways kept  saying  in  derision,  Vandel  has  been  summoned 
back  by  the  town  crier,  together  with  a  numerous  band. 

Of  our  brethren  who  are  detained  prisoners  at  Chambery,1 
I  have  nothing  to  write  to  you  at  present,  except  that  their 
minds  are  made  up  with  extraordinary  alacrity  to  undergo 
death.  The  issue  is  in  the  hands  of  God  ;  it  is  as  yet  hidden 
from  our  sight.  We  have  received  two  letters  from  them,  in 
the  former  of  which  they  salute  you  in  the  words  which  I 
have  written  on  the  margin.2  The  other  which  is  common  to 
the  three  churches,  I  have  sent  to  Lausanne  on  this  condition, 
that  the  brethren  shall  take  care  that  a  copy  be  taken  for  you. 
Viret  left  this  lately,  but  gave  me  hopes,  unless  any  thing 
happens,  of  his  speedy  return.  I  asked  him  if  he  would 
come  by  the  month  of  September  and  not  without  a  com- 
panion. You  will  see  then  if  that  will  suit  your  convenience. 
Farewell,  my  most  worthy  brother,  and  distinguished  servant 
of  Christ.  May  the  Lord  always  govern,  protect,  and  bless 
you.  Salute  your  colleagues  and  the  other  brethren.  My 
fellow  pastors  salute  you,  into  the  number  of  whom  d'Anduse 
was  lately  elected,  because  Desgallars  has  been  recalled  into 
the  city.  For  we  have  now  more  sermons  delivered  than 
formerly.  The  Bude*s,  Normandie,  de  Trie,  my  brother,  and 
other  friends  salute  you. 

[Lat.  wig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 

'  Pee  the  letter  of  the  5th  September,  following. 

3  Here  are  those  words  :  "Because  we  do  not  write  to  our  good  father,  Monsieur 
Farel,  we  beg  you  to  salute  him  for  us  and  to  recommend  us  to  his  fervent  prayers. 


1555.]  BULLIXGER. 


207 


CCCCIX.— To  Bullixger.1 

Answer  to  different  calumnies  directed  against  Calvin  on  the  occasion  of  the  trial  of 
the  Libertins— difficulties  raised  by  the  Bernese  on  the  subject  of  the  renewing  of 
their  treaty  of  alliance  with  Geneva. 

Geneva,  July  1555. 

Though  your  letter  brought  me  no  pleasing  intelligence 
respecting  the  fresh  calumnies  by  which  I  am  again  assailed, 
it  was  nevertheless  agreeable  to  learn  from  it,  that  I  had  an 
opportunity  of  defending  my  character  from  the  aspersions 
which  wicked  men  have  brought  against  it.  To  expose  all 
the  falsehoods  which  are  every  day  brought  forward  would  be 
an  immense  task ;  most  of  them  also  are  so  futile,  that  I  should 
think  it  ridiculous  to  bestow  pains  on  the  refutation  of  them. 
It  will  be  sufficient  then  to  give  a  true  statement  only  respect- 
ing two  points  to  which  you  allude.  It  is  commonly  ru- 
moured,  that  unfortunate  men  compelled  by  the  torture  made 
false  confessions  in  prison  which  they  afterwards  retracted.  I 
confess  indeed  that  four  who  have  been  capitally  punished, 
made  some  changes  in  their  confessions  when  they  came  to 
the  place  of  execution.  But  you  shall  yourself  judge  from 
the  circumstances  of  the  case,  of  the  probability  of  any  thing 
havin<*  been  wrung  from  them  by  violence.  I  was  not  pre- 
sent when  they  were  put  to  the  rack ;  and  though  I  am  repre- 
sented as  having  presided  at  the  question,  if  I  was  ever  pre- 
sent even  to  give  advice,  I  consent  to  pass  for  the  most  in- 

1  On  the  back  of  the  letter  :  "A  letter  to  Bullinger  in  which  disgraceful  calumnies 
are  refuted.     Let  it  be  carefully  perused." 

Satisfied  with  the  new  explanations  of  Calvin,  Bullinger  wrote  to  him  :  "  I  have 
seen  in  that  description  what  partly  annoys  and  afflicts,  but  also  what  partly  consoles 
me.  You  have  numerous  enemies  who  I  fear  will  strive,  day  and  night,  to  arm  and 
set  off  against  you  their  malice  and  detestable  cause,  by  inventing  the  most  infamous 
calumnies,  whence  may  arise  the  most  intricate  evils  and  perils.  But  I  am  consoled 
a»ain  in  no  ordinary  degree  by  the  divine  goodness  and  wisdom,  and  the  most  pre- 
sent aid  of  God  in  so  great  a  danger.  I  give  him  thanks  for  his  great  kindness,  so 
marvellously  bestowed  on  us  in  time,  and  I  supplicate  him  to  continue  to  you  his  pro- 
tection."    24th  September,  1555.     {Library  of  Geneva,  vol.  Ill  a.) 


20S  BULLIXGER.  [1555. 

famous  of  men.  I  went  to  the  prison,  not  that  I  might  sug- 
gest anything  to  the  judges,  but  at  the  request  of  the  criminals 
themselves,  and  after  I  had  obtained  permission.  Having 
made  enquiries,  however,  of  men  worthy  of  credit,  on  their 
testimony  I  affirm  to  you  for  certain,  that  as  they  were  already 
sufficiently  convicted  by  evidence,  no  greater  violence  was 
offered  them  than  that  of  having  been  raised  from  the  ground 
a  little  with  their  arms  fastened  to  a  rope.  This  fact  all  with- 
out any  discrepancy  will  affirm,  that  the  terror  alone  of  the 
question  was  presented  to  them.  The  two  brothers  were  first 
condemned,  after  a  lapse  of  a  few  days.  The  affair  was  well 
known  and  proved  by  many  witnesses,  that  they  without  any 
provocation  had  with  drawn  swords  made  an  attack  upon  the 
city  watch,  when  at  the  same  time  they  had  raised  outcries, 
that  in  the  house  of  a  certain  senator  was  concealed  a  body  of 
armed  men,  and  that  the  city  had  been  betrayed  to  the  French. 
Other  streets  to  a  considevable  distance,  resounded  with  the 
same  shout.  These  two  had  supped  with  Perrin  and  Vandel- 
During  the  supper  many  secret  messages  had  been  carried 
backwards  and  forwards.  After  the  supper,  conferences  were 
also  remarked  which  greatly  increased  suspicion.  As  soon  as 
the  riot  had  been  stirred  up,  a  great  crowd  flocked  together 
to  lend  their  aid.  One  of  them  had  been  rescued  from  the 
hands  of  the  syndic.  When  it  was  almost  palpable  that  there 
had  been  a  conspiracy,  was  it  not  the  business  of  the  judges 
to  have  recourse  to  the  torture?  Especially  when  at  their 
ease  the  culprits  set  their  judges  at  defiance.  For  already 
messengers  had  been  apprehended  that  encouraged  them  to 
deny  every  thing.  Being  questioned  by  what  instigators 
they  had  been  set  to  work,  they  denied  that  the  affair  had 
been  the  result  of  previous  concert,  that  when  they  had  heard 
the  sound  of  arms  they  had  merely  rushed  suddenly  to  the 
spot.  But  the  fact  is,  there  was  not  any  tumultuous  sound, 
but  the  deepest  silence  everywhere,  till  one  of  a  party  that 
had  scarcely  quitted  the  conference  of  their  faction,  almost  in 
the  same  place  had  struck  with  a  stone  the  servant  of  a  sena- 
tor, and  these  profligate  men  whispered  to  one  another  — 
"There  is  a  fellow  carrying  a  stone  to  strike  without  any  pre- 


1555.]  BULLIXGER.  209 

vious  quarrel  the  first  man  he  meets."  Immediately  two 
others  draw  their  swords,  and  contemptuously  beat  back  the 
highest  magistrate  of  the  city.  In  a  moment,  people  rush  up 
from  all  quarters.  Is  it  possible  then  not  to  suspect  a  con- 
spiracy ?  Could  the  judges  allow  so  open  a  crime  to  elude 
their  enquiries  ?  Add  to  that,  they  do  not  deny  that  on  the 
same  day  when  Perrin  went  on  a  pleasure  party  to  his  coun- 
try house,  they  went  in  his  company ;  that  on  their  way, 
topics  of  a  very  suspicious  kind  were  handled,  and  when  they 
had  come  to  the  common  landmark  which  separates  the  Ber- 
nese territory  from  ours,  and  which  is  about  the  distance  of 
a  stone  cast  from  Perrin's  country  house,  he  remarked  that  in 
his  villa  his  associates  would  be  sure  of  a  safe  retreat,  if  thev 
committed  any  offence  in  the  city.  Then  that  what  they  were 
discussing  among  themselves  might  remain  secret,  he  gave  a 
signal  for  them  to  hold  their  tongues  lest  some  hired  work- 
men who  came  in  should  overhear  them.  Already  when  thev 
had  only  been  once  brought  to  the  rack,  they  avowed  three 
or  four  times  that  they  had  been  purposely  suborned.  After- 
wards, when  at  their  request  I  had  been  sent  for,  both  of  them 
apart  confessed  to  me  whatever  had  been  wrung  from  them 
by  the  torture,  but  of  their  own  free  will  this  time.  For  I 
was  not  the  first  to  begin  the  conversation  on  that  subject,  for 
fear  I  should  appear  to  wish  to  draw  any  thing  out  of  them 
by  indirect  practices.  Each  of  them  then  in  his  turn  related 
to  me  all  that  the  judges  had  forced  from  them,  and  in  the 
presence  of  God,  declared  that  they  had  spoken  the  truth.  But 
when  they  saw  that  they  were  to  be  put  to  death,  I  know  not 
what  madness  impelled  them  to  deny  some  particulars,  but 
their  retractation  on  these  minor  points  did  not  affect  their 
declaration  on  the  principal  ones,  to  which  they  constantly 
adhered.  Therefore  when  I  saw  the  elder  of  the  two  brothers 
already  on  the  point  of  death,  maliciously  distorting  and 
giving  a  false  colouring  to  certain  facts,  I  asked  him  in  pre- 
sence of  the  whole  people,  whether  he  had  not,  when  there 
were  neither  judges  nor  witnesses  present,  of  his  own  free 
will,  related  to  me  the  very  same  things  which  had  been  read 
over  from  the  public  acts  of  the  court.  He  answered  in  the 
27 


210  BULLIXGER.  [1555. 

affirmative.  I  again  asked  him  whether  I  had  compelled  him 
by  threats,  or  allured  him  by  wheedling  promises  to  this  con- 
fession. He  replied  as  unhesitatingly  in  the  negative.  What 
then,  I  said,  does  this  mean,  that  when  all  the  circumstances 
are  of  the  same  nature  you  retract  some?  See  rather,  my  dear 
Francis,  that  with  a  pure  conscience  you  present  yourself  be- 
fore the  tribunal  of  God.  The  second,  who  had  in  former 
times  struck  his  own  mother,  and  had  all  his  life  been  a  most 
abandoned  scoffer,  also  retracted  a  few  things,  but  more  par- 
ticularly employed  himself  in  heaping  insults  on  the  wit- 
nesses. He  certainly  exclaimed  before  the  whole  people,  that 
these  were  the  fruits  he  had  reaped  from  the  accursed'  society 
of  Perrin.  The  third,  after  his  condemnation,  declared  to  be 
false  and  forged  what  he  had  spontaneously  asserted  upon 
oath  as  the  truth  to  myself  and  Yiret.  The  charge,  however, 
was  by  no  means  one  which  the  judges  had  suggested,  but  one 
which  he  himself  had  brought  forward  from  his  own  shop; 
and  he  too  strove  to  have  the  things  reputed  futile  which  the 
two  brothers  had  constantly  upbraided  him  with  to  his  face, 
and  which  till  their  death  they  persisted  in  asserting.  Cer- 
tainly if  their  retractation  in  which  they  mutually  ruin  each 
other  is  to  be  deemed  of  any  value,  necessarily  their  persist- 
ence in  the  same  declaration  must  be  allowed  to  have  some 
weight.  The  fourth  made  no  attempt  to  deny,  that  it  was  he 
who  had  thrown  the  stone  and  knocked  down  an  unknown 
individual  because  he  took  him  for  a  Frenchman.  It  was 
proved  at  the  same  time  by  several  witnesses,  that  a  short 
time  before  that,  he  had  called  out  that  they  should  take  up 
arms  and  have  recourse  to  slaughter,  to  prevent  the  senate 
from  admitting  any  of  the  French  to  the  rights  of  citizenship; 
and  when  the  mint  men  of  the  city  of  whom  he  had  the  super- 
intendence, gave  evidence  that  under  a  false  pretext  they  had 
been  brought  the  year  before  into  the  council  chamber,  that 
a  riot  might  be  stirred  up  against  Farel,  and  that  he  had 
never  ceased  from  that  time,  to  hatch  every  now  and  then 
matter  for  disturbances,  he  called  out  that  there  never  had 
been  an  unjust  conspiracy.  To  myself  he  had  said  a  little 
before,  that  he  deserved  to  be  dragged  to  execution  for  having 


1555.]  BULLIXGER.  211 

led  so  nefarious  a  life.  But  for  all  that,  there  was  no  means 
of  bringing  him  into  a  state  of  repentance  with  the  Lord. 
And  so  moved  by  this  new  proof  of  his  shamelessness,  I 
gently  admonished  him  to  repeat  from  memory  the  things 
which  he  had  lately  of  his  own  accord  avowed.  He  then 
gave  for  answer,  that  many  things  had  been  impiously  handled 
concerning  God,  nothing  that  concerned  the  public  state  of 
the  city.  All  of  them  had  at  the  same  time  one  object  in  view, 
to  ward  off  from  themselves  the  charge  of  rebellion  and  trea- 
son against  the  state.  But  notwithstanding  all  their  pretences, 
the  very  nature  of  the  circumstances  was  too  overwhelming 
for  them.  Moreover  there  was  not  one  of  them  who  did  not 
acknowledge,  by  his  silence,  the  truth  of  the  greater  part  of 
the  charges.  On  one  or  two  points  they  demurred,  but  in 
such  a  manner,  that  the  one  completely  invalidated  what  was 
said  by  the  other. 

I  come  now  to  the  second  calumny,  which  if  it  had  been  got 
up  with  as  much  show  of  probability,  as  it  is  odiously  intended 
to  crush  me,  would  certainly  torment  me  with  no  small  de- 
gree of  care  and  anxiety.  But  it  is  lucky  that  for  my  vindi- 
cation, a  simple  narrative  of  the  affair  will  be  abundantly 
sufficient.  The  league  between  the  two  cities  had  been  con- 
tracted for  a  time  only,  which  time  was  to  expire  in  the  month 
of  February  next.  But  as  our  townsmen  desired  the  renewal 
of  it,  they  had  some  time  ago  sent  their  deputies  to  Berne  for 
that  purpose.  They  received  for  answer,  that  there  was  still 
sufficient  time  for  deliberating.  But  lest  the  Bernese  should 
suppose  that  we  did  not  warmly  desire  their  friendship, 
deputies  were  despatched  by  us  a  second  and  a  third  time. 
Nay,  during  a  year  and  a  half,  our  citizens  ceased  not  to  busy 
themselves  about  the  affair,  and  by  frequent  embassies  and 
letters,  to  supplicate  them  to  give  a  definite  answer.  "Whether 
the  time  was  purposely  protracted  by  the  other  party  I  know 
not.  What  is  certain  is,  that  the  same  excuse  was  always 
brought  forward,  that  the  senate  was  absorbed  by  other  busi- 
ness. At  last  a  letter  was  brought,  announcing  that  the  senate 
of  Berne  desired  to  know  upon  what  conditions  our  citizens 
wished  to  treat.     They  reply,  without  delay,  that  they  fear,  if 


212  BULLINGER.  [1555. 

any  change  is  introduced,  there  may  be  danger  that  it  will 
open  a  door  for  new  disputes,  and  for  that  reason  they  willingly 
abide  by  the  old  regulation,  which  had  been  dictated  by  the 
Bernese  themselves.  But  because  those  of  Berne  had  written, 
that  they  neither  would  nor  could  retain  it,  our  townsmen 
added  a  conciliating  clause,  by  which  they  begged  them  to 
indicate,  themselves,  what  corrections  they  wished  to  be  intro- 
duced. A  short  time  afterwards,  deputies  arrive  bringing  a 
copy  of  the  amended  form.  The  first  article  turned  on  law 
suits,  between  members  of  different  states.  Among  the  Swiss, 
you  know  that  this  law  has  been  adopted;  if  any  citizen  of 
Zurich,  for  example,  should  have  a  process  with  one  of  Berne, 
in  case  he  shall  think  himself  aggrieved  by  the  first  sentence, 
he  may  appeal  to  judges,  chosen  by  both  states.  The  Bernese 
wish  this  right  to  be  entirely  expunged  from  the  new  treaty 
of  alliance;  our  citizens  object  to  that  indeed,  but  permit  the 
Bernese  to  limit  the  right  where  it  may  be  abused.  Because 
this  may  be  a  matter  of  dissatisfaction  to  the  Bernese,  I  make 
no  objection  to  these  appeals  being  entirely  suppressed,  for  I 
intended  to  propose  the  simple  acceptance  of  the  conditions, 
as  they  were  offered  to  us.  If  respecting  the  public  law  of 
the  cities,  any  controversy  should  arise,  they  permit  the  Bernese 
to  avail  themselves  of  the  old  usage.  But  since,  hitherto,  the 
principal  umpire  in  such  disputes  has  been  taken  from  the 
Senate  of  Basle,  the  Bernese  restrict  the  right  of  being 
selected  to  the  two  consuls,  and  wish  at  the  same  time  the 
citizens  of  Schweitz  to  be  united  with  them  in  the  participa- 
tion of  this  right.  Though  no  sufficient  reason  was  assigned 
for  this  change,  our  citizens  nevertheless  consented  to  it,  object- 
ing only  to  the  selection  of  the  Schweitzers,  both  because  they 
are  at  such  a  distance,  and  because  they  are  not  much  versed 
in  our  language.  The  inhabitants  of  Zurich  are  then  substi- 
tuted in  place  of  them.  By  the  Bernese  is  selected  a  more 
convenient  place  for  the  assembling  of  the  judges.  Our  citizens 
are  prepared,  at  their  own  expense,  to  repair  to  the  place  de- 
signed. 

The  second  article  is  that  no  debtor,  even  if  he  should  have 
engaged  his  person,  shall  in  future  be  led  to  prison.     This 


1555.]  BULLINGEK.  213 

indeed  had  been  attempted  fourteen  years  ago.  The  umpires 
of  Basle,  at  the  instigation  of  the  Bernese  senate,  warmly 
pressed  our  citizens  to  yield  their  consent.  They  obtained 
nothing  however.  For  our  citizens  were  persuaded,  that  if 
this  right  were  given  up,  it  would  be  impossible  for  their  city 
to  maintain  its  position.  Nay.  because  they  remember  that  at 
that  time  I  spoke  in  favour  of  their  giving  their  consent,  they 
still  suspect  my  too  great  compliancy.  They  assign  reasons, 
however,  to  appease  the  Bernese,  which  I  doubt  not  you  will 
find  satisfactory. 

In  the  third  place,  the  Bernese  wished  that  all  the  decisions 
which  the  umpires  of  Basle  had  pronounced,  thirteen  years 
before,  respecting  many  litigated  points,  should  now  be  held 
null  and  void.  Our  citizens  demonstrate  that  this  would  be  a 
fatal  measure,  of  which,  there  can  be  no  doubt.  They  beg  then 
that  the  authority  of  their  decisions  shall  remain  unquestioned. 
What  object  the  Bernese  senate  had  in  view,  in  making  this 
demand,  is  not  known.  The  last  article  is,  that  our  citizens 
unequivocally  promise,  that  they  shall  never  seek  for  an  al- 
liance with  any  other  state;  and  this  indeed  they  had  promised 
twenty  years  before,  that  the  Bernese  might  have  sufficient 
and  more  than  sufficient  pledges  of  their  fidelity.  But  the 
Bernese  now  wish  this  engagement  to  be  formally  set  down  in 
the  treaty.  Our  citizens,  on  the  contrary,  who  saw  that  in  the 
midst  of  warlike  tumults,  they  had  been  incautiously  entrapped, 
frequently  demanded  that  this  condition  should  be  dispensed 
with,  in  order  that  with  the  permission  and  good  will  of  the 
Bernese  senate,  they  might  be  at  liberty  to  contract  alliances 
with  the  rest  of  the  Swiss  states;  and  nine  years  before,  the 
Bernese  had  promised  that  they  would  make  it  their  business 
to  make  arrangements  for  having  this  city  admitted  to  their 
alliance,  on  the  same  footing  as  St.  Gall,  Mulhause,  and  Rote- 
ville.  Our  citizens  preserve  this  promise,  drawn  up  and 
signed  by  a  notary  public.  Hence  it  has  happened  that  they 
now  ask  for  the  performance  of  what  had  been  publicly  pledged. 
For  they  have  nothing  to  do  with  other  nations,  but  they 
are  too  hardly  fettered  if  they  may  not  maintain  friendly  re- 
lations with  the  Swiss.     This  was  the  subject  of  a  long  con- 


214  BTJLLINGER.  [1555. 

sultation.  For  the  day  after  the  arrival  of  the  deputies  this 
decision  of  the  council  was  presented  to  them.  Now  you  see 
that  no  innovation  has  been  made  by  our  citizens,  moreover 
that,  as  far  as  the  state  of  the  city  permitted,  they  humoured 
the  Bernese.  Wherefore  you  have  no  need  to  harangue  me 
greatly  on  the  utility  of  the  Bernese  league  for  our  city. 
Our  whole  senate  knows,  the  greater  part  of  the  people  are 
not  ignorant,  how  faithfully  I  have  studied  to  defend  it.  But 
with  what  horror  I  shrink  from  all  contact  with  the  king  of 
France,  is  sufficiently  evident  from  this  one  phrase  which 
has  dropped  from  my  lips  more  than  once  in  the  senate — if  any 
flattering  breeze  blew  from  that  quarter,  it  were  better  that  a 
part  of  our  houses  were  thrown  down,  and  a  high  wall  raised 
up  to  keep  off  from  us  that  pestilential  allurement.  But  how- 
ever much  many  malignant  and  unjust  men  molest  me,  whom 
I  have  studied  to  benefit,  of  their  ingratitude  I  make  no  ac- 
count, nor  (which  they  seem  to  aim  at)  shall  I  ever  be  induced 
by  it,  to  swerve  from  the  straight  path.  I  would  that  our 
brethren  of  Berne  would  strive  with  the  same  sedulousness  to 
keep  their  friends  within  the  bounds  of  moderation.  Send,  if 
you  think  fit,  a  copy  of  this  letter  to  Haller.  If  I  shall  be 
found  in  one  syllable  to  have  employed  any  false  colouring,  I 
refuse  not  to  undergo  any  amount  of  ignominy.  In  truth, 
when  you  shall  have  discovered  that  my  enemies  have  propa- 
gated such  gross  fables,  in  your  wisdom  and  equity  you  will 
decide  what  more  can  be  required  of  me  than  I  have  of  my 
own  accord  performed.  If  on  both  sides  the  two  cities  break 
out  into  open  discords,  it  is  with  reason  you  deplore  the  sad 
and  fatal  result.  Of  how  much  greater  compassion  are  we 
worthy,  if  though  innocent  we  be  threatened  with  a  terrible 
calamity?  The  whole  of  the  Bernese  territory  resounds  with 
the  talk  of  war,  of  the  siege  and  sacking  of  this  city ;  in  fine, 
not  a  day  passes  in  which  we  are  not  menaced  with  new 
terrors,  which,  in  truth,  I  consider  to  be  vain.  But  many 
suppose,  not  without  some  foundation,  that  these  are  fostered 
by  the  silence  of  those  whose  nod  alone  would  completely 
stifle  them.  Certainly  in  so  troubled  a  state  of  affairs,  it  is 
surprising  that  peace  is  not  for  them  a  greater  object  of  solici- 


1555.]  BULLINGER.  215 

tude.  But  the  Lord,  I  trust,  will  look  upon  us.  Whence 
your  old  allies  have  derived  this  new  rage  of  molesting  you 
at  the  present  moment  about  the  form  of  taking  an  oath,  it  is 
not  difficult  to  conjecture.  For  they  see  that  we  are  as  dis- 
united as  an  ill-tied  broom.  Therefore  they  give  loose  to  their 
audacity.  Perhaps  the  alliance  of  the  Pope  with  the  king  of 
France  adds  to  their  confidence.  May  the  Lord  strengthen 
your  fellow  citizens  with  a  spirit  of  invincible  courage,  that 
they  may  a  hundred  times  rather  forego  an  empty  title  of 
honour,  than  suffer  the  sacred  name  of  God  to  be  impiously 
profaned  in  their  city,  which  it  is  sure  to  be  if  they  permit  an 
oath  in  the  name  of  the  saints  to  be  exacted  from  them  in  the 
senate  house.  To  prevent  others  from  swearing  improperly, 
is  not  in  their  power;  but  that  they  should  set  the  example 
and  prescribe  to  themselves  an  unlawful  form  of  oath,  or 
suffer  it  to  be  imposed  on  them  by  others,  this  as  you  see  is 
not  to  be  endured.  Nor  do  I  doubt  but  that,  according  to 
your  faith  and  your  duty,  you  strenuously  exhort  them  to 
firmness,  and  that  you  entertain  good  hopes  of  success,  I  am 
heartily  glad.  Therefore  in  this  hope  I  rest.  As  however 
you  mention  the  Bernese  alone,  you  excite  in  my  mind  some 
doubts  respecting  the  others.  But  what  base  cowardice  if  they 
keep  aloof  from  you!  Assuredly  I  wait  for  the  issue  with 
impatience.     But  let  me  pass  to  another  subject. 

I  have  no  doubt  but  you  have  read  Westphal's  book.  If  I 
persist  in  my  present  intention,  I  shall  briefly  and  histori- 
cally expose  the  silly  follies  of  the  man,  that  he  may  not  com- 
plain of  having  been  too  roughly  handled.  Nor  is  he  an 
antagonist  with  whom  we  can  seriously  contend.  I  should 
like  to  know,  however,  what  advice  you  will  give  me.  From 
a  letter  of  M.  Peter  Martyr,  I  have  learned  that  another  fool- 
ish volume  has  been  published,  which  has  not  been  brought 
here  by  our  booksellers.  What  our  pious  and  learned  bro- 
ther thinks  of  it,  I  had  rather  you  should  know  from  his  own 
letter,  than  from  aught  I  could  write  to  you.  That  agreement 
which  he  demands  ought  to  be  eagerly  and  emulously  offered 
by  all,  but  I  see  how  difficult  it  will  be  to  obtain  it.  This 
would  be  the  only  means,  that  from  each  church  should  be 


216  BULLINGER.  [1555. 

chosen  persons  who  should  together  write  out  a  confession, 
that  this  confession  should  afterwards  be  carried  back  to  each 
church,  that  being  approved  of  by  the  votes  of  all,  it  might 
be  published  with  a  legitimate  subscription.  Your  most 
illustrious  senate  would  without  much  difficulty  comply  with 
your  wishes.  Nor  do  I  think  that  St.  Gall  and  Schaffhausen 
would  make  any  objections.  The  people  of  Coire  and  the 
Grisons  would  easily  join  the  others.  Of  Basle  I  have  some 
doubts,  for  Sulzer  will  scarcely  be  drawn  to  an  open  confes- 
sion. Do  you  yourself  consider  well  what  opening  we  might 
have  among  the  Bernese,  to  whom  the  handling  of  any  reli- 
gious question  is  so  suspicious  or  hateful,  that  I  despair  of 
the  possibility  of  obtaining  any  thing  from  them.  If  you  are 
of  opinion,  however,  that  something  should  be  attempted,  you 
must  strive  vigorously.  What  if  others  shrink  from  the 
defence!  to  me  it  will  not  be  burdensome  to  sustain  the  whole 
shock  on  my  own  head.  Only  I  fear  lest  it  should  be  dis- 
graceful for  others  to  desert  a  common  cause,  which  is  openly 
assailed  in  the  person  of  one  man.  Nor  must  we  wait  till  the 
enemies  launch  their  thunder-bolts.  Already  as  you  see  they 
are  preparing  to  print  their  anathema.  Unless  our  party  be- 
stir themselves  actively,  we  shall  never  bring  our  remedy  in 
time.  About  Philip,  I  agree  in  opinion  with  you  ;  he  is  slow, 
and  timid,  and  consults  too  much  his  own  ease.  Nevertheless 
this  single  phrase  made  me  conceive  good  hopes,  that  he 
acknowledged  he  owed  this  service  to  God  and  the  church. 
For  it  is  not  his  custom  to  profess  so  freely,  nor  promise  so 
liberally,  except  when  he  has  made  up  his  mind.  I  am  wait- 
ing to  see  what  answer  he  will  write  back  to  my  last  letter, 
in  which  T  did  all  in  my  power  to  kindle  into  a  flame  that 
little  spark  of  manliness.  Certainly  when  M.  Peter  Martyr 
writes  that  he  is  every  where  summoned  as  their  witness  by 
the  adversaries,  if  he  hold  his  peace,  it  will  be  necessary  not 
only  to  expostulate  with  him  privately,  but  vigorously  to 
produce  him  in  open  day. 

[Lot.  ori'j. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  fl.J 


1555.]  VIRET— MARTYR.  217 


CCCCX.— To   VlRET. 

He  sends  the  letter  of  the  five  ministers  imprisoned  at  Chambery. 

Geneva,  4^  August  1555. 

I  shall  be  very  brief;  for  any  one  of  the  messengers  will 
serve  all  the  purposes  of  a  letter.  For  know  this  :  I  can  give 
you  no  information  respecting  the  affairs  of  the  city  which 
you  will  not  be  able  to  glean  from  them  by  word  of  mouth. 
I  send  for  your  perusal  a  letter  of  our  brethren  who  are  in 
bonds  at  Chambery,1  which  you  will  see  to  have  returned  to 
me  on  the  first  opportunity.  For  I  have  thought  proper  not 
to  give  it  publicity,  because  it  could  not  yet  be  generally 
known  without  exposing  many  persons  to  danger.  The  jailer 
had  given  us  some  hopes  of  secret  assistance,  but  at  last 
we  find  that  we  are  amused  with  empty  and  seductive  expec- 
tations. We  will  wait  then  for  what  orders  will  come  from 
the  court.  For  Cognet  demanded  that  they  should  suspend 
the  trial,  at  least  till  he  had  informed  the  king. 

Farewell,  my  most  excellent  and  worthy  brother,  along 
with  our  friend  Beza,  and  the  rest  of  the  brethren.  May  the 
Lord  always  direct,  protect,  and  bless  you.     Amen. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 


CCCCXL— To  Peter  Martyr.2 

Fall  of  the  French  Church  of  Strasbourg— grief  of  Calvin. 

Geneva,  8th  August  1555. 

The  misfortune  of  your  poor  French  Church  afflicts  me  not 
a  little.     We  will  look  after  Garnier's  prospects  indeed  when 

*  See  the  letter  of  the  5th  September,  addressed  by  Calvin  to  these  prisoners,  who 
were  courageously  to  seal  the  truth  with  their  blood. 

s  The  position  of  the  French  Church  of  Strasbourg  became  daily  more  and  more 
28 


218  PETER   MARTYR.  [1555. 

he  comes,  but  the  re-establishment  of  the  ruined  church  is  the 
first  thing  to  be  cared  for  ;  if  you  direct  all  your  energies  to 
that  object,  I  have  hopes  you  will  do  much  good.  From  Boc- 
quin,1  I  have  always  feared  what  has  happened,  and  I  wish 
Baudouin  had  stayed  at  Bourges,  for  then  he  would  not  have 
contaminated  the  flock  of  Christ,  with  the  stench  of  this  he- 
goat.2  But  strive  assiduously,  as  you  are  now  doing,  to  remedy 
this  evil.  You  will  have  for  faithful  fellow  workmen,  I  ima- 
gine, in  this  task,  M.  Sturm  and  Sleidan.  Of  the  state  of  our 
affairs,  this  brother  will  be  able  to  give  you  a  better  account 
than  I  can  possibly  do  in  a  letter.  Wherefore,  that  I  may  not 
tire  you  with  a  twice  told  tale,  I  abstain  from  all  further  nar- 
ration. Farewell,  most  accomplished  sir,  whom  I  honour  in 
the  Lord.  Carefully  salute  our  friends,  M.  Sturm,  Zanchi, 
and  the  rest.  Unwillingly  I  pass  over  M.  Peter  Alexander, 
to  whom  I  shall  make  no  allusion  till  I  learn  something  more 
certain  I  have  just  this  moment,  before  sealing  up  my  letter, 
learned  from  one  written  by  Gamier,  that  the  disturbances 
have  been  in  a  great  measure  appeased  by  his  arrival.  I  wish 
my  services  could  be  of  any  use  in  assisting  him,  but  if  he 
has  been  elected  by  the  votes  of  the  little  church,  he  will  im- 
mediately, unless  I  am  very  much  deceived,  restore  it  to  tran- 
quillity by  his  moderation.  May  the  Lord  always  protect  and 
govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  and  accompany  you  with  his  bless- 
ing.— Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

\Lat.  copy. — Library  of  Genera.     Vol.  107  a.] 

difficult.  The  minister  Gamier,  having  wished  to  maintain  the  rights  of  ecclesiasti- 
cal discipline,  which  had  numerous  adversaries  among  the  Lutheran  clergy,  was  dis- 
missed by  the  authority  of  the  magistrate.  Calvin  complained  bitterly  of  that  in  a 
letter  toLocquet:  "And  certainly  I  have  received  the  deepest  wound  from  the  news 
that  a  magistrate,  by  his  own  good  pleasure,  not  to  say  any  thing  more,  has  over- 
turned the  legitimate  order  of  the  church  and  oppressed  its  liberty."  Letter  of  the 
6th  August,  1555.  MSS  of  Geneva. 
*  Pastor  of  the  French  Church. 

a  This  pun  is  in  allusion  to  the  name  of  Bocquin,  (a  he-goat.) 
See  the  notes,  torn.  ii.  p.  133.     Baudouin  had  just  quitted  the  chair  of  law  at  the 
university  of  Bourges  to  go  to  Strasbourg,  where  his  extreme  fickleness  of  character 
was  destined  to  draw  on  him  the  warm  animadversions  of  the  Reformer. 


1555.]  MELANCHTHOX.  219 


CCCCXIL— To  Melaxchthox. 

He  exhorts  him  to  prefer  the  approbation  of  God  to  that  of  men,  in  pronouncing 
frankly  against  the  adversaries  of  sound  doctrine  and  the  disturbers  of  the  church. 

Geneya,  2'id  August  1555. 

You  justly  and  wisely  remark,  most  accomplished  sir,  that 
our  antagonists  have  no  other  object  in  view,  than  to  shew 
themselves  off  on  a  public  stage.  But  though,  their  expecta- 
tions, as  I  trust  and  as  is  probable,  will  be  frustrated,  neverthe- 
less, even  if  they  should  gain  the  plaudits  of  the  whole  world, 
it  becomes  us  to  direct  all  our  attention  with  so  much  the 
more  zeal  to  the  heavenly  prize-giver  under  whose  eyes  we 
combat.  What !  Shall  the  sacred  assembly  of  the  angels, 
who  animate  us  by  their  favour,  and  strenuously  point  out  to 
us  by  their  example  the  manner  of  acting,  permit  us  to  grow 
sluggish  or  advance  with  hesitating  steps?  And  the  whole 
band  of  the  holy  fathers  !  Do  they  not  also  stimulate  us  to 
exertion  ?  In  fine,  the  church  of  God  which  is  present  to 
our  view  in  the  world!  When  we  know  that  its  prayers 
combat  on  our  side,  and  that  it  is  animated  by  our  example, 
shall  its  suffrages  in  our  favour  be  lost  upon  us  ?  No,  let 
this  be  my  theatre,  and  satisfied  with  its  approbation,  though 
the  whole  world  should  hiss  me,  I  shall  never  want  courage. 
I  am  very  far  from  envying  these  silly  and  noisy  players.  Let 
them  enjoy  for  a  brief  space  and  in  an  obscure  corner  their 
barren  little  sprig  of  triumph.  What  the  world  deems 
worthy  of  its  applause  or  hatred  does  not  escape  me.  But 
far  more  important  I  hold  it  to  follow  the  rule  prescribed  by 
our  Master.  Nor  have  I  any  doubt  that  this  ingenuousness 
will  in  the  end  prove  more  agreeable  to  all  pious  and  rational 
minds,  than  a  complaisant  and  wavering  manner  of  teaching, 
which  is  always  swayed  by  some  empty  terror.  I  entreat  you 
to  discharge  as  soon  as  you  can,  the  debt  which  you  acknow- 
ledge you  owe  to  God  and  the  church.  Nor  do  I  insist  on 
this  subject,  because  I  trust  that  by  discharging  on  you  a 


220  THE   FIVE   PRISONERS   AT   CHAMBERY.  [1555. 

part  of  the  odium  which  attaches  to  me,  I  may  be  proportion- 
ably  relieved.  Much  rather  on  the  contrary,  if  the  thing 
were  possible,  from  the  affection  and  respect  I  bear  to  you, 
would  I  shift  from  your  shoulders  to  my  own,  whatever  bur- 
den presses  heavily  upon  you.  But  it  is  your  duty  atten- 
tively to  consider  that  I  should  never  have  presented  myself 
to  you  in  the  shape  of  an  adviser,  but  that  you  might  early 
deliver  pious  men,  who  look  up  to  you,  from  a  doubt  which 
they  entertain  of  your  ever  entirely  fulfilling  your  promise. 
Reflect  moreover  that  if  this  warning,  like  a  cock  crowing 
rather  late  and  out  of  season,  do  not  awaken  you,  all  will  cry 
out  with  justice,  that  you  are  a  sluggard.  Farewell,  most  dis- 
tinguished sir,  whom  I  venerate  from  the  heart.  May  Christ, 
the  faithful  keeper  of  his  followers,  stand  always  by  you, 
and  govern  and  protect  you.  Amen.  Salute  in  my  name, 
M.  Camerarius,  and  whatever  other  friends  I  have  in  your 
part  of  the  world. 

[Calvin's  Lat.  Corresp.     Opera,  torn,  ix.  p.  100.] 


CCCCXIII. — To  the  five  Prisoners  at  Chambery.1 

An  account  of  tbe  steps  taken  in  their  favour — approbation  of  their  confession  of  faith 
— Christian  salutations. 

Geneva,  5th  September  1555. 

My  Brethren, — Immediately  when  word  was  brought  to  us 
of  your  captivity,  I  dispatched  a  messenger  across  the  mountains 

1 "  Among  all  those  who  died  with  great  constancy  that  year,  for  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ,  are  remarkable  five  excellent  personages,  servants  of  God,  and  powerful  in  the 
■word,  .  .  .  viz.,  John  Vernou,  student,  native  of  Poitiers;  Anthony  Laborie,  of  Caiar, 
in  Quercy,  formerly  royal  judge  of  the  said  place ;  John  Trigalet,  licentiate  of  law, 
of  Nismes,  in  Languedoc ;  and  Bertrand  Bataille,  student,  native  of  Gaseony ;  who 
having  set  out  from  Geneva  with  the  intention  of  announcing  the  gospel  wherever  it 
should  please  God  to  call  them,  and  being  arrested  at  the  defile  of  Tamis,  in  the  country 
of  Fossigny,  in  Savoy,  .  .  .  happily  finished  their  course  at  Chambery,  then  subject  to 
the  King,  dying  with  singular  constancy."  Beza,  Hist.  Eccl.,  tom.  i.  p.  96.  At  the 
first  rumour  of  their  arrest,  Calvin  took  all  possible  steps  for  their  deliverance,  as 
is  attested  by  the  following  extracts  from  the  Registers  of  the  Council,  8th  Septem- 
ber 1555  :  "Calvin  begs  the  council  to  intercede  for  the  poor  prisoners  confined  at 
Chambery  for  the  cause  of  religion.  John  Louis  Curtet  was  deputed  for  that  purpose  to 


1555.]  THE    FIVE    PRISONERS    AT   CHAMBERY.  221 

to  procure  more  certain  information  about  it,  and  also  to  learn 
if  there  should  be  any  means  of  succouring  you.  He  set  out 
last  Thursday  at  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  returned  only 
yesterday  late  in  the  evening.  He  is  about  to  undertake  a 
second  journey  to  convey  to  you  our  letters,  and  advise  in 
what  it  shall  be  possible  for  us  to  solace  you  in  your  affliction. 
We  have  no  need  to  express  to  you,  at  greater  length,  what 
care  we  have  of  you,  and  with  what  anguish  our  hearts  are 
filled  on  account  of  your  bonds.  Since  then  so  many  of  the 
brethren  pray  fervently  for  you,  I  doubt  not  but  our  heavenly 
Father  will  listen  to  their  desires  and  groan ings,  and  I  see  by 
your  letters  how  he  has  already  begun  to  work  in  you.  For 
if  the  weakness  of  the  flesh  will  sometimes  shew  itself  in  such 
a  manner  as  that  you  shall  have  hard  and  difficult  struggles 
to  maintain,  this  is  not  to  me  matter  of  astonishment,  but  rather 
of  magnifying  God,  because  he  has  raised  you  above  it.  On 
your  part,  the  brethren,  Laborie  and  Trigalet,  have  grounds  of 
consolation,  in  that  those  who  are  nearest  and  dearest  to  them 
quietly  resign  themselves  to  the  will  of  God.1  For  the  rest 
you  have  profited  so  well  in  the  school  of  Jesus  Christ,  that 
you  have  no  need  of  long  letters  of  exhortation.  Only  prac- 
tise what  you  have  learned,  and  since  it  has  pleased  the 
Master  to  employ  you  in  this  service,  continue  to  do  what  you 
have  begun.  Though  the  door  is  at  present  shut  against  your 
edifying  by  doctrine  those  to  whom  you  had  devoted  your 
labour,  the  testimony  which  you  are  about  to  bear  will  not  fail 
to  confirm  them  from  afar.  For  God  will  bestow  on  it  a  vir- 
tue to  resound  further  than  voice  of  man  can  reach.  As  to 
worldly  means  for  your  deliverance,  I  wish  we  had  them  such 
as,  without  being  too  sanguine,  we  might  avail  ourselves  of  them, 
nor  will  it  be  our  fault  if  we  do  not  strain  every  nerve  for 
that  purpose.     But  God  urges  us  to  look  higher.     So  then  the 

Chambery." — "John-Amy  Curtet,  on  his  return  from  Chambery,  ieports  that  there  is 
room  to  hope  that  the  prisoners  who  are  there  for  the  sake  of  religion  will  be  only 
condemned  to  the  galleys."  The  instances  of  the  Seigneury  of  Geneva  were  without 
result-.  In  the  course  of  a  long  trial,  which  was  to  end  in  martyrdom,  the  five  prison- 
ers received  at  different  times  the  counsels  and  exhortations  of  the  Reformer. 

1  See  the  letters  of  Anthony  Laborie  to  his  wife,  Hist,  dea  Martyrs,  p.  329.  330.     The 
apostolic  martyrology  has  no  finer  pages. 


222  THE   FIVE   PRISONERS   AT    CHAMBERY.  [1555. 

main  point  is  to  collect  all  your  thoughts  in  order  to  repose 
in  his  paternal  goodness,  not  doubting  but  he  will  take  your 
bodies  as  well  as  your  souls  under  his  protection,  and  if  the 
blood  of  his  faithful  followers  is  precious,  will  effectually  shew 
it  in  you,  since  he  has  chosen  you  to  be  his  witnesses.  And 
should  it  be  his  will  to  demand  the  sacrifice  of  your  lives  to 
approve  his  truth,  besides  that  this  is  as  you  know  an  oblation 
well  pleasing  in  his  sight,  let  it  console  you  that  in  surrender- 
ing the  whole  into  his  hands  you  shall  lose  nothing;  for  if  he 
kindly  designs  to  take  us  under  his  protection  during  this 
perishable  life,  much  more,  having  called  us  away  from  it,  will 
he  shew  himself  the  faithful  Guardian  of  our  souls.  Touching 
the  advice  which  you  .ask  of  me,  I  am  afraid  it  is  no  longer 
time,  for  as  I  learn  you  have  made  an  ample  declaration  of 
your  faith.  Since  God  has  brought  you  so  far,  it  is  too  late 
to  think  of  shrinking  back.  Cast  all  your  cares  on  the  provi- 
dence of  God.  Nevertheless  see  that  your  prudence  in  an- 
swering be  in  truth  of  the  Spirit  of  God  and  not  of  worldly 
cunning.  Did  I  hope  that  your  petition  would  reach  the  king, 
I  should  take  care  not  to  prevent  it;  but  I  believe  that  the 
person  who  promised  you  that,  intended  only  to  deceive  you. 
Nevertheless,  lest  it  should  seem  your  fault,  I  by  no  means 
venture  to  dissuade  you  from  persisting  in  the  offer  which 
you  have  made.  Because,  in  point  of  form,  I  find  nothing  in 
the  petition  which  you  have  transmitted,  that  requires  cor- 
rection, unless  perhaps  the  comparison  with  Ahab  and  some 
things  of  a  similar  kind,  which  it  would  be  expedient  to  soften 
down,  I  have  kept  by  me  this  copy.  It  is  true  I  might  have 
given  a  different  form  to  it;  but,  if  a  petition  must  be  presented, 
I  had  rather  that  it  should  contain  nothing  but  what  God  had 
put  into  your  minds,  hoping  that  he  will  thereby  cause  it  to 
bring  forth  better  fruits.  If  the  world  accept  not  so  just  and 
holy  a  protestation,  at  least  it  will  be  approved  of  by  God  and 
his  angels,  by  his  prophets,  apostles,  and  the  wholechurch.  Nay, 
every  true  believer,  on  seeing  it,  will  have  cause  to  glorify  him 
for  having  dictated  it  to  you  by  his  Holy  Spirit. 

I  will  not  prolong  my  letter  any  further.     Besides  our  ex 


1555.]  THE   BRETHREN   OF   POITIERS.  223 

celleat  brother,  Master  William,"  has  very  seasonably  found 
an  opportunity  to  write  to  you.  Wherefore  to  conclude,  I 
will  pray  our  heavenly  Father  to  have  you  in  his  holy  keeping, 
direct  you  by  his  Spirit,  arm  you  with  courage  and  constancy, 
so  to  do  battle  that  he  may  triumph  in  you  either  by  your 
life  or  your  death,  and  that  he  would  make  you  feel  what  it 
is  to  have  our  whole  satisfaction  in  him  alone. 

Because  this  present  is  common,  I  have  not  sent  you  any 
special  commendations  in  the  name  of  my  brethren,  but  I  am 
sure  that  you  are  sufficiently  convinced  of  the  affection  both 
of  them  and  of  a  great  number  of  the  brethren,  nay  of  the 
whole  body  of  the  church,  who  all  entertain  of  you  such  senti- 
ments as  their  duty  commands. 

Your  humble  brother,  whom  you  know. 
[Fr.  Letter. — History  of  the  Martyrs.     Book  vi.  p.  333.] 


CCCCXIV. — To  the  Brethren  of  Poitiers.1 

He  exhorts  them  to  form  secret  assemblies  under  the  yoke  of  a  holy  discipline. 

9th  September  1555. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  be  always  upon  you,  by  the  communication  of  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

Beloved  Seigneurs  and  Brethren, — We  glorify  God, 
because  of  his  infinite  goodness  he  hath  put  a  curb  upon  Satan 
and  his  agents,  in  such  sort  that  you  have  had  a  respite  earlier 
than  you  expected.  But  above  all  we  give  him  thanks  for 
having  so  supported  you  by  the  power  of  his  Spirit,  that  in 

1  Farel. 

s  Threatened  within  by  the  contagion  of  false  doctrines,  (see  the  letter  of  the  20th 
February,  p.  169,)  assailed  from  without  by  a  rigorous  persecution,  the  church  of 
Poitiers  profited  by  a  moment  of  relaxation  to  finish  the  work  of  its  organization. 
"  This  same  year,  says  Beza,  the  plague  having  driven  from  the  town  the  greatest 
enemies  of  religion,  the  little  assembly  took  courage,  and  the  order  of  the  church  was 
drawn  up  by  one  named  Chrestien  to  the  great  advantage  of  the  whole  country,  and 
soon  after  this  church  furnished  ministers  to  several  places."  Hiet.  Eccl.,  torn.  i.  p. 
101.  Consulted  incessantly  at  Geneva,  Calvin  kept  up  the  most  active  correspondence 
with  the  Protestant  communities  of  Poitou. 


224:  THE    BRETHREN    OF    POITIERS.  [1555. 

the  midst  of  troubles  you  have  not  fainted.  For  the  rest,  the 
fear  }*ou  have  felt  should  serve  you  as  a  warning  to  call  with 
so  much  greater  zeal  upon  Him,  who  is  able  to  strengthen  the 
faint-hearted.  It  is  also  your  duty  both  by  prayer  and  con- 
tinual exercise  of  the  word  of  God,  to  arm  and  fortify  your- 
selves, in  the  hope  that  the  good  Shepherd  who  has  taken  you 
under  his  charge,  will  not  forsake  you  in  time  of  need.  Con- 
tinue in  the  mean  time  to  go  along  with  his  flock,  not  doubting 
but  that,  where  you  are  gathered  together  in  his  name,  he  is 
in  the  midst  of  you. 

I  wrote  to  you  some  time  ago  pointing  out  the  means  which  I 
approved  of  for  defeating  the  malice  of  your  enemies,1  viz., 
that  not  to  expose  yourselves  unnecessarily  you  might  easily, 
without  collecting  the  whole  company,  assemble  by  small 
parties,  now  in  one  place,  now  in  another.  Especially  let 
every  one  make  it  his  business  to  lend  his  dwelling  as  a 
temple  in  which  to  invoke  the  name  of  God,  and  esteem  it  a 
singular  blessing,  that  your  houses  should  be  dedicated  to 
such  a  service.  Nevertheless  when  I  beg  you  to  be  on  your 
guard,  as  the  care  and  compassion  I  have  for  you  directs,  let 
not  that  prevent  you  from  courageously  striving  even  to  seek 
for  opportunities  of  assembling  yourselves  when  they  shall 
not  be  otherwise  offered  vou,  so  that  you  may  go  on  advanc- 
ing rather  than  declining,  and  be  not  frustrated  of  the  good 
which  God  has  offered  you.  Moreover  since,  in  the  course  of 
our  instruction,  we  ought  to  be  kept  under  restraint,  I  pray 
you  in  the  name  of  God,  that  vices  be  not  encouraged,  not  even 
suffered  among  you.  You  cannot  secure  this  end  without 
superintendence,  for  which  purpose  it  will  be  necessary  to 
appoint  persons  to  keep  watch  how  each  of  the  flock  behaves, 
in  order  to  lead  back  those  who  go  astray,  correct  delinquents, 
admonish  the  ill-advised,  and  by  these  means  prevent  subjects 
of  scandal. 

Of  the  mode  in  which  you  should  proceed  in  effecting  this 
end,  I  do  not  write  to  you,  because  I  am  confident,  that  God 
has  bestowed  on  you  sufficient  prudence  to  devise  means; 
necessity  itself  will  partly  point  them  out  to  you.     The  chief 

1  See  the  letter  to  the  Brethren  of  Poitou,  of  the  3d  September,  1554,  p.  68. 


1555.]  THE    BRETHREN    OF    ANGERS.  225 

point  is  that  all  with  a  docile  mind  submit  to  the  yoke,  and 
suffer  themselves  to  be  guided  in  obedience  to  Him  who  seeks 
to  reign  over  us  but  for  our  eternal  welfare.  On  this  matter 
I  do  not  insist,  esteeming  you  sufficiently  disposed  to  adopt 
it,  thinking  it  is  enough  to  confirm  you  in  your  good  inten- 
tions. May  God  by  his  grace  so  work  in  you  to  this  end, 
that  the  fruits  of  it  may  be  seen  to  his  glory  and  the  edifica- 
tion of  all.  I  pray  him  also  to  have  you  in  his  holy  keeping, 
to  increase  in  you  the  gifts  of  his  Spirit,  and  so  turn  them  to 
his  service,  that  we  may  have  wherewithal  to  bless  his  holy 
name. 

Whereupon,   having  commended  myself  to  your  earnest 
prayers,  I  will  conclude.     My  brethren,  in  whose  name  I  have 
written  the  present,  greet  you  affectionately. 
[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107.] 


CCCCXV. — To  the  Brethren  of  Angers.1 

Christian  exhortations — he  sends  them  a  minister. 

9th  September  1555. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  be  always  upon  you,  by  the  communication  of 
the  Holy  Spirit. 

1  On  the  back  of  this  letter  in  the  handwriting  of  Charles  de  Jonvillers  :  "  He  wrote 
this  letter  to  the  brethren  who  were  at  Angers,  by  Monsieur  d'Esprit,  who  was  there 
as  minister." 

Angers,  the  seat  of  a  Bishop  and  a  university,  peopled  with  monks  and  students, 
received  the  first  preachers  of  the  Reform  in  1547.  It  had  its  martyrs,  Francis  Far- 
deau,  Simon  Le  Royer,  John  de  la  Vignole,  Denis  Saureau,  and  William  de  Reu, 
"whose  ashes,"  says  Beza,  "so  enriched  this  field  of  the  Lord,  that  it  has  since  been 
rendered  very  fertile."  The  Reformed  Church  of  Angers  had,  for  its  founder,  John  le 
Mar-on,  says  La  Riviere,  the  son  of  the  Sire  de  Launay,  the  king's  proenreur  in  this 
town,  and  an  ardent  Catholic.  Destined  to  the  study  of  law,  yoang  Le  Magon  se- 
cretly visited  the  churches  of  Lausanne  and  Geneva,  and  adopted  their  doctrines. 
Recalled  to  his  native  town,  he  there  openly  professed  the  Reformed  faith,  in  spite  of 
the  instances  of  his  father,  "who,  having  suddenly  perceived  of  what  religion  he  was, 
tried  first  to  turn  him  aside  by  flatteries  and  promises,  proposing  to  him  his  property 
which  ....  he  was  destined  to  inherit  as  the  eldest,  an  honourable  situation 
to  which  he  should  soon  be  raised  ....  if  he  would  quit  the  religion  of  those 
29 


226  THE   BRETHREN    OF    ANGERS.  [1555. 

Beloved  Seigneurs  and  Brethren, — We  have  to  render 
thanks  to  God,  that  having  sown  in  your  city  the  doctrine  of 
salvation,  he  has  united  you  in  brotherly  concord,  ratifying 
in  you  the  great  object  of  the  gospel ;  to  wit,  that  all  his  chil- 
dren should  be  collected  in  one  body  under  the  chief  whom 
he  has  ordained  for  us ;  what  is  more,  that  he  has  given  you 
courage  to  fortify  yourselves  for  this  sacred  union,  by  the 
comforts  and  means  which  he  has  established  in  his  church  ; 
such  as  that  of  assembling  yourselves,  to  invoke  his  name  in 
common — to  be  taught  and  exhorted  by  his  word — and,  in 
separating  yourselves  from  the  superstitions  and  idolatries  of 
Antichrist,  to  seek  the  true  purity  of  religion.  You  need 
not  to  be  reminded  of  the  dangers  which  environ  you;  for 
that  reason  we  have  still  more  cause  to  glorify  the  bounty  of 
God,  that,  through  his  power,  you  have  overcome  all  fear  of 
the  flesh.  It  remains  for  you  to  persevere,  and  resolutely 
follow  what  God  approves  and  what  is  founded  on  his  word, 
that,  whatever  happen,  nothing  may  ever  seduce  you  from  it. 
Only  endeavour  not  to  expose  yourselves  to  the  malice  of 
your  enemies ;  but  let  that  be  done  not  through  worldly  wis- 
dom, which  teaches  us  to  forsake  God  to  consult  our  own 
safety,  and  to  separate  ourselves  from  him  to  keep  up  our 
station,  but  by  the  prudence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  declares  to  be  so  conjoined  with  simplicity, 
that  we  should  advance  with  straightforwardness  in  our  voca- 
tion without  ever  declining  to  crooked  ways.  On  our  part, 
seeing  your  worthy  desire,  after  having  invoked  the  name  of 
God,  we  have  elected  and  set  aside  the  brother  whom  we  pre- 
sent to  you  for  minister  of  the  word  of  God.1  We  trust  that 
on  his  side  he  will  conscientiously  acquit  himself  of  his  duty. 
For  first  of  all  we  have  known  him  to  be  a  man  fearing  God, 

whom  he  contemptuously  called  Christandins,  as  on  the  contrary,  should  he  persevere, 
he  could  expect  nothing  but  a  miserable  end."  The  young  proselyte  remained  un- 
shaken in  his  faith,  and  the  affection  of  his  father,  irritated  by  his  refusals,  being 
changed  into  fury,  he  fled  to  Paris.  It  was  from  that  city  by  his  letters  and  visits 
made  in  secret,  "  not  without  extreme  danger  to  his  person,  that  he  prepared  the  de- 
finitive formation  of  the  Church  of  Angers."  Bezn,  Hint.  Errf.  torn.  i.  pp.  97  and  98. 
'  The  minister  John  de  Pleurs,  surnamed  d'Esprit,  or  d'Espoir.  Hist.  Ecclee.  torn. 
i.  pp.  100  and  109. 


1555.]  THE    BRETHREN    OF   ANGERS.  227 

and  walking  in  purity  of  conscience  and  uprightness  among 
his  fellows,  of  irreproachable  life,  and  capable  of  edifying 
you  by  his  zeal.  We  can  give  no  better  proof  of  what  we 
advance  than  the  simple  fact,  that  he  has  left  his  wife  on  the 
point  of  her  confinement  in  order  to  fly  to  your  assistance. 
He  is  possessed  of  solid  learning,  but  without  any  fiightiness 
to  lead  him  beyond  his  depth.  His  appearance  and  delivery 
have  nothing  that  can  captivate  those  who  take  pleasure  in 
the  pomp  of  rhetoric;  but  we  are  persuaded  that  you  will 
deem  it  quite  sufficient  to  be  honestly  instructed  with  sim- 
plicity and  homeliness  of  speech,  in  which  the  quickening  of 
God's  Spirit  will  yet  shew  itself.  In  a  word  we  doubt  not 
but  his  labour  will  fructify  among  you,  so  that  by  it  the  name 
of  God  shall  be  glorified  and  each  of  us  overjoyed.  Only  con- 
sult how  to  receive  him  in  such  a  manner  as  that  he,  seeing 
your  earnest  desire  and  zeal  to  profit,  may  be  the  more  stirred 
up  to  serve  you.  For  the  rest,  be  diligent  in  hearing  the 
words  of  instruction,  not  however,  as  discharging  a  debt  you 
owe  to  God,  or  as  if  Christianity  lay  wholly  in  that ;  but  in 
order  to  grow  and  be  strengthened  both  in  faith  and  holiness  of 
1  ife.  Above  all,  inasmuch  as  your  city  abounds  in  corruptions, 
advise  how  to  shake  off  the  vanities,  pleasures,  and  other  de 
lights  with  which  you  have  been  entangled,  in  order  to  dedi- 
cate yourselves  to  the  service  of  God.  We  have  rejoiced  to 
hear  that  you  have  already  established  a  certain  order  and 
plan  of  police  to  prevent  scandals,  and  serve  as  a  curb  to 
yourselves.  Beware  of  abolishing  such  a  discipline ;  strive 
rather  to  enforce  it,  and  let  each  of  you  submit  to  it,  to  shew 
that  the  spirit  of  meekness  prevails  among  you. 

Whereupon,  beloved  seigneurs  and  brethren,  having  com- 
mended ourselves  to  your  fervent  prayers,  we  supplicate  the 
Father  of  all  goodness  and  grace,  to  keep  you  under  his  pro- 
tection, to  preserve  you  from  the  rage  of  the  wolves,  to  guide 
you  in  all  good,  and  increase  in  you  the  gifts  of  his  Spirit,  to 
be  subservient  to  his  glory. 

\Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Yol.  107.] 


228  THE   BRETHREN   OF   LOUDUN.  [1555. 


CCCCXVI. — To  the  Brethren  of  Loudun.1 

He  sends  them  a  minister,  and  gives  them  counsels  to  guide  them  in  the  difficult  cir- 
cumstances in  which  they  are  placed. 

9th  September  1555. 

The  love  of  God  the  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  be  always  upon  you,  by  the  communication  of 
the  Holy  Spirit. 

Beloved  Seigneurs  and  Brethren,  —  We  glorify  our 
heavenly  Father  for  having  multiplied  his  seed  among  you, 
and  also  for  having  made  it  bring  forth  fruits,  by  fortifying 
you  in  his  service.  For  he  must  needs  work  in  you  by  his 
heavenly  power,  to  bring  you  to  follow  the  right  path  in  the 
midst  of  so  many  corruptions,  that  prevail  around  you.  Nay, 
the  courage  which  you  have  in  assembling  in  his  name  as  a 
flock  is  a  work  of  his  Spirit.  Were  it  not  so,  being  but  a 
handful  of  people — two  or  three  sheep  amid  an  infinite  num- 
ber of  ravening  wolves,  you  could  not  help  being  overawed, 
and  withdrawing  each  in  his  own  direction.  Thus  knowing 
that  God  has  bestowed  on  you  zeal  and  courage  to  overcome 
all  the  terrors  of  the  flesh,  be  confident  that  he  will  go  on 
increasing  it  more  and  more,  and  as  you  are  always  invoking 
him  with  fear  and  anxiety,  will  never  suffer  what  he  has  begun 
in  you  to  perish,  and  disappear  like  a  vapour.  There  is  no 
doubt,  however,  but  Satan  will  devise  every  means  to  have 
you  dispersed,  and  it  will  be  absolutely  necessary  for  each  of 

1  On  the  back,  in  the  hand  writing  of  Charles  Jonvillers  :  "  He  wrote  this  letter  to 
the  brethren  who  were  at  Loudun,  by  Monsieur  Puinisson,  who  was  there  as  minister." 
The  town  of  Loudun,  situated  a  short  distance  from  Poitiers,  was  destined  to  par- 
ticipate betimes  in  the  religious  awakening  which  followed  Calvin's  stay  in  Poitou. 
Called  by  Calvin  himself  to  Geneva.  John  Vernou  and  Philip  Vernou  returned  to 
Poitiers,  furnished  with  secret  instructions  by  the  Reformer  for  the  propagation  of 
the  gospel  in  their  native  country.  The  reform  spread  gradually  from  place  to  place 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Poitiers,  in  spite  of  the  violence  of  persecutions,  and  gained 
S".int  Maixent,  Niort,  Chatellerault,  Loudun.  The  church  of  Loudnn,  mentioned  for 
the  first  time  by  Beza  in  1564,  (Hist.  Ecrl.  torn.  i.  p.  TfiR,)  existed  then  already  in 
1555,  as  is  proved  by  the  letter  of  Calvin  to  the  brethren  of  this  town. 


1555.]  THE   BRETHREN    OF    LOUDUN.  229 

you  to  be  prepared  for  such  combats,  in  order  to  maintain  his 
ground.  But  whatever  happens,  He  who  gives  you  grace  to 
rally  round  his  standard,  will  cause  the  obedience  which  you 
pay  him  to  prosper  and  bring  forth  good  fruits  to  his  glory 
and  your  own  salvation.  For  in  desiring  to  have  a  regular 
order  established  for  invoking  his  name  and  hearing  his  word, 
you  are  prompted  by  no  flighty  impulse,  but  only  seek  what 
he  commands. 

If  the  force  of  your  enemies  is  great,  if  you  are  compara- 
tively weak,  so  far  should  that  be  from  making  you  lose  heart, 
that  it  should  on  the  contrary  urge  and  goad  you  on  to  take 
refuge  under  the  protection  of  Him  who  has  said :  Fear  not, 
little  flock.  Thus,  my  brethren,  persist  in  what  you  know  to 
be  well  pleasing  to  God,  vexing  Satan  and  all  his  agents, 
even  the  wise,  that  is,  the  proud  and  puffed  up  ones  of  this 
world,  who  will  deride  your  simplicity.  Nevertheless  keep 
yourselves  concealed  in  the  most  quiet  manner  possible,  pro- 
voking not  the  rage  of  your  enemies,  but  rather  endeavour- 
ing by  modesty,  meekness,  and  uprightness  of  life,  to  win 
those  who  are  not  quite  incorrigible. 

But  it  would  be  an  almost  superfluous  task  for  us  to  send 
you  any  more  lengthened  exhortations  by  our  brother  the 
bearer  of  this,1  whom  we  present  to  you  for  pastor  in  the 
name  of  Jesus  Christ,  having  selected  him  at  your  request, 
as  a  person  whom  we  know  to  be  perfectly  fit  to  instruct  you 
faithfully.  As  to  his  knowledge,  he  has  long  been  versed  in 
the  scriptures,  and  always  goes  straight  to  the  point — so  that 
he  is  not  to  be  held  for  a  novice.  In  regard  to  his  life,  even 
at  the  period  when  he  was  a  papist,  he  always  gave  evident 
marks  of  fearing  God  and  living  uprightly.  So  we  doubt  not 
but  he  will  greatly  edify  you  by  his  example.  You  have  a 
tolerably  good  proof  of  his  zeal,  of  the  affection  he  entertains 
for  you,  of  his  desire  to  serve  God  by  your  salvation,  from 
this  single  circumstance,  that  he  spares  neither  his  person  nor 
his  life  to  take  upon  him  the  business  of  your  instruction. 
And  because  we  hope  that  he  will  prove  himself  a  faithful 
minister,  as  we  send  him  to  you  in  the  name  of  God,  we  en- 

1  The  minister  Puinisson. 


230  tiret.  [1555. 

treat  you  to  receive  him,  and  by  showing  how  you  reverence 
the  Master  to  whom  we  all  belong,  and  yielding  with  docility 
to  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  you  will  give  him  courage  to 
put  forth  all  his  strength  among  you.  For  according  as  the 
people  are  well  disposed  to  hear  and  follow  what  they  have 
heard,  so  does  God  open  the  heart  and  the  mouth  of  him  who 
instructs  tbem.  For  the  rest,  see  that  complying  with  his 
counsels  you  institute  some  sort  of  police — to  remove  the 
cause  of  scandals,  add  vigour  and  authority  to  your  admoni- 
tions, and  keep  up  peace  and  concord.  You  will  find  in  him, 
we  believe,  a  man  so  tractable,  that  it  will  not  be  his  fault  if  all 
things  shall  not  be  conducted  in  a  spirit  of  mildness. 

Whereupon,  dear  seigneurs  and  brethren,  having  affection- 
ately commended  ourselves  to  your  prayers,  we  supplicate 
the  Father  of  grace,  to  have  his  hand  stretched  over  you,  to 
preserve  you,  to  sustain  you  by  his  power,  to  increase  in  you 
all  spiritual  gifts,  and  guide  you  continually  according  to  the 
pure  rule  of  his  word. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.     Yol.  107.] 


CCCCXYIL— To  Yiret. 

News  from  Chambery — enmities  to  which  Calvin  is  exposed  at  Geneva. 

Geneva,  9th  September  1555. 

I  send  to  you  the  letter  of  our  friend  Estienne,  From  it  you 
•will  learn  that  however  furiously  Satan  rages,  Christ  never- 
theless reigns  under  the  cross.  What  he  demands  respecting 
a  school-master,  it  is  our  duty  to  attend  to.  If  there  is  any 
fitting  person  among  you  who  would  cheerfully  undertake  the 
charge,  send  him.  From  Chambery  we  have  no  news,  since 
the  letter  written  by  the  brethren,  which  I  send  for  your 
perusal.  When  you  have  read  it,  take  care  to  have  it  im- 
mediately sent  back;  because  I  have  hitherto  kept  it  by  me, 
and  that  with  the  permission  of  my  brethren.  I  am  not  igno- 
rant how  atrociously  the  whole  faction  outrage  me;  and  daily 
from   my  own  feelings   I  experience  how  alien  to  virtuous 


1555.]  THE    PRISONERS   OF    CHAMBERY.  231 

natures  is  that  tyrannical  cruelty  which  the  old  poet  has  de- 
scribed in  these  words,  "  Oderint  dum  metuant,"  (let  them  hate, 
provided  they  fear.)  On  the  contrary  if  a  choice  were  offered 
me,  I  should  sooner  prefer  to  be  the  most  despised  of  men. 
But  since  it  has  pleased  God  that  it  should  be  otherwise,  let 
us  endure.  God  will  at  last  stand  by  his  own.  In  the  mean 
time  the  best  stay  is  that  of  a  good  conscience.  To-day 
Berthelier,  in  the  manner  of  the  others,  attempted  to  exculpate 
his  faction.  Nevertheless  he  confessed  that  he  deserved  such 
a  punishment.  I  shall  make  a  report  of  all  the  circumstances 
in  the  presence  of  several.  For  except  in  this  one  point,  he 
seemed  to  be  touched  with  some  repentance.  Farewell,  my 
very  worthy  brethren.  May  the  Lord  stand  by  you,  govern 
and  protect  you. — Yours,  John  Calvin. 

[Calvin's  Lat.  Ccrresp.    Opera,  torn.  is.  p.  103.] 


CCCCXYIII.— To  the  Prisoners  of  Chambery.1 

Last  exhortations  to  them  before  their  martyrdom. 

bth  October  1555. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  be  always  upon  you,  by  the  communication  of  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

1  The  five  prisoners  prepared  themselves  for  death  by  a  pious  correspondence  with 
their  family,  and  the  ministers  of  the  church  of  Geneva.  Bist.  des  JIartyrs,  p.  320  to 
333.  They  wrote  to  Calvin  :  "  Sir.  and  most  honoured  father,  we  have  received  your 
letters  of  the  5th  September,  which  have  greatly  consoled  us.  They  testify  your  ardent 
charity,  and  that  of  all  the  brethren  tuwards  us.  .  .  On  our  part,  though  we  are  joy- 
ful that  the  Lord  of  his  grace  grants  us  wherewithal  to  rejoice  with  holy  gladuess, 
insignificant,  poor,  and  miserable  creatures  as  we  are,  nevertheless  we  are  sorry  to 
give  you  so  much  grief  and  anxiety,  .  .  .  and  we  pray  our  heavenly  Father  to  deliver 
us  from  this  distress  which  afflicts  us  by  reason  of  our  imprisonment  in  whatever 
manner  it  may  please  him.  If  it  be  by  death,  so  much  the  better  for  us."  This  prayer 
was  heard,  after  a  long  captivity.  On  the  day  of  martyrdom,  John  Vernou  appeared 
for  a  moment  troubled,  but  he  soon  shewed  himself  calm  and  composed.  John  Triga- 
let,  looking  upwards,  cried  out :  "  I  see  the  heavens  opened."  Laborie  presented  him- 
self to  death,  "  with  a  joyful  countenance,  just  as  if  he  had  been  invited  to  a  banquet." 
The  executioner  having  asked  his  pardon,  "  My  friend,"  said  he  to  him,  "you  do  not 
offend  me,  on  the  contrary  by  your  ministry  I  am  delivered  from  a  wonderful  prison." 
Having  said  that,  he  embraced  him.  Several  of  the  people  were  touched  with  pity 
and  wept,  seeing  this  spectacle.     Hist,  des  Martyrs,  p.  333. 


232  THE   PRISONERS    OF   CHAMBERY.  [1555. 

Dearly  beloved  Brethren, — If  I  have  allowed  some  time 
to  elapse  without  writing  to  you,  it  is  not  that  I  have  forgotten 
you  or  ceased  to  concern  myself  for  your  interests,  but  the 
compassion  which  I  feel  at  seeing  you  languish  so  long,  hath 
as  it  were  paralyzed  me  with  anguish.  I  doubt  not,  however, 
but  our  merciful  Father  comforteth  you,  to  fortify  you  with 
patience,  and  that  you  yourselves  strive  to  exhort  one  another, 
as  indeed  need  is.  For  it  is  one  of  Satan's  prime  devices  to 
sap  and  destroy,  by  long  lapse  of  time,  those  that  he  cannot 
bring  down  at  one  blow.  But  I  trust  that  he  has  not  surprised 
you  unawares,  as  God  must  have  endowed  you^vith  constancy 
to  endure  even  unto  the  end.  But  however  that  may  be,  you 
stand  in  need  of  continual  exercise  to  maintain  yourselves  in 
obedience  to  God,  waiting  for  the  issue  which  he  reserves; 
without  fainting,  though  it  be  delayed.  Speaking  after  the 
manner  of  men,  I  am  at  a  loss  what  to  say,  seeing  matters  in 
such  confusion  every  where.  But  I  hope,  however  things 
turn  out,  that  God  will  at  last  fill  our  hearts  with  jo}7,  after 
having  left  you  as  it  were  to  pine  away  ;  for  he  sees  so  many 
of  his  children  in  continual  anxiety  on  your  account,  that  he 
will  not  fail  to  lend  an  ear  to  their  desires.  Should  we  have 
the  means  of  relieving  you  in  any  manner  whatever,  fail  not 
to  put  us  in  mind  of  it,  with  full  assurance  that  each  of  us  will 
bestir  himself  according  to  his  opportunity.  For  the  rest,  look 
steadfastly  to  the  Father  of  mercies,  practising  what  is  said  in 
the  psalm :  It  is  to  him  we  must  cast  our  eyes,  when  men  as- 
sail us,  and  when  we  are  destitute  of  all  defence. 

Whereupon,  my  brethren,  I  will  supplicate  our  heavenly 
Father  to  have  you  always  in  his  holy  keeping,  to  fill  you 
with  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  the  end  that  with  invincible  courage 
you  pursue  the  combat  to  which  he  has  ordained  you,  and 
keep  up  in  your  hearts  such  a  hope  of  this  succour  that 
vou  may  have  wherewith  to  mitigate  all  your  sorrows.  I  com- 
mend myself  to  your  fervent  prayers.  The  brethren  greet 
you  affectionately. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107.] 


1555.]  THE   BRETHREN    OF   CHAMBERY.  233 


CCCCXIX. — To  the  Brethren  of  Chambery.1 

Obligation  to  confess  the  gospel  in  spite  of  its  adversaries. 

Sth  October  1555. 

Dearly  beloved  Seigneurs  and  Brethren, — I  have 
heard  that  you  are  assailed  in  your  city  by  the  enemies  of  the 
faith  with  more  violence  than  usual.  It  is  thus  that  Satan, 
when  he  sees  the  reign  of  the  Son  of  God  advancing  and  the 
number  of  the  faithful  increasing,  makes  still  greater  efforts  to 
overturn  every  thing.  Be  not  astonished,  however,  if  God 
gives  free  reins  to  the  wicked  to  afflict  you,  for  it  is  fitting 
that  our  faith  should  be  tried,  and  when  we  shall  be  persecuted 
for  the  doctrine  of  salvation,  that  we  should  shew  how  dear 
and  precious  it  is  in  our  eves,  by  continually  persisting  in  the 
same,  whatever  attempts  should  be  made  to  turn  us  aside  from 
it.  If  you  feel  in  yourselves  too  much  infirmity,  have  recourse 
to  Him  who  has  every  virtue  in  his  hand.  But  if  you  have 
need  to  be  armed  and  fortified  in  order  to  sustain  the  violence 
of  the  enemies  of  God,  bethink  yourselves  that  their  cunning 
and  devices  are  still  more  to  be  dreaded.  No  doubt  many  are 
astonished  to  find  themselves  persecuted  in  their  lives  and 
properties;  but  if  by  crooked  and  false  practices,  the  enemies 
endeavour  to  alienate  them  from  God,  it  is  yet  worse.  As 
when  that  sorry2  bishop  of  yours  gave  a  three  months'  respite 
to  those  who  should  be  disposed  to  apostatize  from  Jesus 
Christ,  and  renounce  the  truth  of  the  gospel,  he  spread  nets  to 
catch  poor  souls  and  lead  them  to  perdition.  Watch  then  over 
yourselves  and  beware  of  entering  on  a  deliberation,  whether 
you  ought  to  fall  off  from  Him  who  has  purchased  you  at  so 
high  a  price.     For  better  it  were  that  fires  were  lighted  up  to 

1  To  the  Brethren  of.  .  .  without  anjr  other  designation.  This  letter  written  the 
same  day  as  the  preceding  one,  and  confided  to  the  Italian  minister,  Celso  Martinengo, 
appears  to  us  to  be  addressed  to  the  brethren  who  assembled  in  secret  in  the  town  of 
Chambery.  This  town,  at  that  time  subject  to  the  French  dominion,  could  reckon 
already  several  martyrs  of  the  Reformed  faith.     (Beza,  Hist.  Eccl.,  torn.  i.  p.  84.) 

aIn  the  text  it  is  horned,  (cornutus,)  alluding  to  the  form  of  the  mitre. 
30 


234:  FAREL.  [1555. 

consume  your  body,  than  that  you  should  be  wheedled  by 
honeyed  phrases  to  the  poisoning  of  your  souls  and  their 
eternal  ruin.  On  the  contrary,  when  the  enemies  of  your 
salvation  invent  such  means  to  seduce  you,  reflect  that  God  on 
his  part  warns  you,  to  keep  you  on  his  side  as  if  he  spoke  to 
you  by  a  trumpet.  Whatever  betide,  shew  yourselves  on  the 
occasion  good  and  faithful  soldiers  of  Jesus  Christ,  frustrating 
all  the  devices  of  Satan,  and  let  not  this  world  hold  you  back 
so  as  to  withdraw  you  from  your  heavenly  inheritance. 
Moreover,  hold  this  for  certain,  that  God  wills  you  should  be 
laid  open  by  this  trial,  in  order  to  hide  you  under  his  wings,  pro- 
vided you  abide  constantly  subject  to  him,  and  seek  not  that 
miserable  refuge  to  which  Satan  by  his  agents  invites  you. 

Whereupon,  beloved  seigneurs  and  brethren,  having 
heartily  commended  myself  to  you,  I  will  entreat  our  heavenly 
Father  to  have  you  in  his  protection,  increase  you  in  all  virtue 
to  resist  the  temptations  that  are  directed  against  you,  and  so 
conduct  you  by  his  Spirit  that  you  be  not  seduced  from  the 
right  path. 

My  letter  is  brief,  because  I  am  convinced  that  our  dear  and 
honoured  brother,  M.  Martinengo,1  will  exhort  you  more  fully 
according  as  God  shall  grant  him  grace. 
[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107.] 


CCCCXX.— To  Farel. 

Fresh  symptoms  of  the  sacramentarian  quarrel — new  tract  of  Westphal  against 

Calvin. 

Geneva,  10th   October  1555. 

Though,  my  dear  Farel,  I  may  justly  glory  in  these  re- 
proaches which  envenomed  and  petulant  tongues  heap  on  me, 
since  they  defame  nothing  in  me  except  what  I  know  to  be 

1  The  Count  Celso  Martinengo,  of  the  noble  family  of  the  Martinengo  of  Brescia. 
Converted  to  the  Reform  by  the  preaching  of  Peter  Martyr,  he  quitted  Italy  in  l.'>42. 
withdrew  first  to  the  pnyx  des  Grisona,  and  afterwards  to  Geneva,  where  he  became 
minister  of  the  Italian  Church.     He  died  in  this  city  in  1557.     Spon,  Hint,  de  I 
torn.  ii.  p.  55.  note  v. 


1555.]  FA.REL.  235 

approved  of  by  God  and  angels ;  yet  I  should  wish  I  could 
hide  myself  in  some  retreat,  to  see  if  their  fury  would  be  per- 
chance softened  which  ray  presence  seems  to  inflame.  I  do 
not  speak  of  the,  rabble  whom  I  learned  long  ago  to  despise  s/ 
as  they  deserve,1  but  what  not  without  reason  gives  me  pain, 
is  that  now  from  hatred  of  me  the  heavens  are  continually  J 
warred  on  by  these  giants.  Let  us  endure,  however,  when  we 
know  that  it  is  not  by  chance  that  we  are  tossed  about  by 
such  violent  tempests.  Westphal  has  published  a  savage 
pamphlet  against  me,  to  which  I  know  not  if  it  will  be  expe- 
dient to  make  an  answer.  My  friends  indeed  beg  of  me  to  do 
so  when  I  shall  have  read  it  over.  The  Lord  will  suggest 
counsel.  You  too,  as  if  I  could  beget  and  bring  forth  books 
at  the  same  moment,  wish  to  see  me  send  out  several  commen- 
taries, which  the  course  of  a  long  life  spent  in  perfect  leisure, 
would  scarcely  afford  time  for  writing.  But  in  truth,  how 
much  vacant  time  do  you  think  remains  on  my  hands?  I 
wish  others  rather  would  take  up  these  tasks.  I  shall  most 
keenly  spur  Philip  on.  But  you  know  very  well  how  slow 
he  is.  Farewell,  best  and  worthiest  brother.  May  the  Lord 
always  stand  by  you,  protect  and  support  you.  My  friends 
and  brethren  warmly  salute  you,  and  among  these  our  bro- 
ther Beza,  who  is  now  with  me. — Yours, 

John  Calvix. 

[Calvin's  Lat.  Corresp.    Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  103.] 

•  In  a  letter  to  Peperinus,  of  the  28  October  following,  Calvin  gives  some  details 
about  the  absurd  accusations  of  which  he  was  the  object  at  Geneva.  In  spite  of  the 
disinterestedness  of  which  he  had  given  so  many  proofs,  he  was  accused  of  amassing 
a  fortune  :  "All  know  how  frugally  I  live  at  home.  They  see  that  I  am  at  no  ex- 
pense for  the  sumptuousness  of  my  dress.  It  is  known  to  every  body,  that  my  only 
brother  is  neither  very  rich,  nor  has  obtained  any  thing  by  my  influence.  Where 
then  can  that  buried  treasure  be  lying  hid?  They  give  out  too,  that  I  have  robbed  the 

p00r But  if  while  alive  I  cannot  escape  the  reputation  of  being  rich, 

death  will  at  last  vindicate  me  from  that  reproach."     Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  103. 


236  KICHARD   VAUVILLE.  [1555. 


CCCCXXL— To  Richard  Vauville.1 

Christian  consolations  on  the  occasion  of  his  wife's  death. 

(November,  1555.) 

How  deep  a  wound  the  death  of  your  wife  must  have  in- 
flicted on  your  heart,  I  judge  from  my  own  feelings.  For  I 
recollect  how  difficult  it  was  for  me  seven  years  ago  to  get 
over'  a  similar  sorrow.  But  as  you  know  perfectly  well,  what 
are  the  suitable  remedies  for  alleviating  an  excessive  sorrow, 
I  have  nothing  else  to  do  than  to  remind  you  to  summon 
them  to  your  aid.  Among  other  things,  this  is  no  mean 
source  of  consolation,  which  nevertheless  the  flesh  seizes  upon 
to  aggravate  our  sorrow,  that  you  lived  with  a  wife  of  such  a 
disposition,  that  you  will  willingly  renew  your  fellowship 
with  her  when  you  shall  be  called  out  of  this  world.  Then 
an  example  of  dying  piously  was  offered  to  you  by  the  com- 
panion of  your  life.  If  it  were  my  task  to  exhort  a  private 
person,  I  should  order  him  to  weigh  in  his  own  mind,  what 
he  owes  to  his  Creator.  For  we  unjustly  defraud  God  of  his 
right,  unless  each  of  us  lives  and  dies  in  dependence  on  his 
sovereign  pleasure.  But  it  is  your  duty  to  reflect  what  part 
you  sustain  in  the  church  of  God.  As,  however,  our  principal 
motive  of  consolation  consists  in  this,  that  by  the  admirable 
providence  of  God,  the  things  which  we  consider  adverse, 
contribute  to  our  salvation,  and  that  we  are  separated  in  the 
world  only  that  we  may  be  once  more  reunited  in  his  celes- 
tial kingdom,  in  this  you  will  from  your  piety  acquiesce.    As 

1  To  Richard  Vauville,  pastor  of  the  French  Church  of  Frankfort. 

A  letter  printed  with  an  incorrect  date,  1556.  Vauville,  falling  a  victim  in  this  town 
to  the  plague  which  had  carried  off  his  wife,  died  in  the  latter  months  of  the  preced- 
ing year,  as  is  testified  by  a  letter  of  Calvin  to  the  Church  of  Frankfort  of  the  24th 
December  1555  :  "As  to  the  death  of  our  good  brother,  Master  Richard  Vauville,  it 
was  very  sorrowful  news  for  us.  For  God  had  provided  for  you  in  him  a  good  and 
faithful  pastor,  which  is  a  thing  not  always  easily  to  be  found."  The  letter  of  conso- 
lation addressed  to  Vauville  on  the  occasion  of  his  wife's  death,  should  be  placed  as 
we  think  in  November  1555. 


15-55.]  FAREL.  237 

I  hear  that  the  heat  of  contentions  in  yonr  church  is  a  little 
abated,  you  will  do  your  endeavour  that  no  secret  grudges 
remain  in  people's  minds.  That  cannot  be  accomplished  all 
at  once,  I  know.  Therefore  by  degrees  you  will  study  to 
mollify  the  tempers  which  have  been  exasperated,  till  offences 
be  completely  softened  down.  Farewell,  my  most  worthy  and 
dearest  brother.  May  the  Lord  alleviate  the  sorrow  of  your 
widowhood,  by  the  grace  of  his  Spirit,  and  bless  all  your 
labours. 

[Calvin's  Lat.  Corresp.     Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  112.] 


CCCCXXII.— To  Farel. 

Complaints  about  the  conduct  of  Bullinger — news  of  Saxony  and  Spain — Poetry  of 
Marcourt  in  praise  of  Calvin. 

Geneva,  23d  November  1555. 

What  Bullinger  lately  asked  of  me  you  will  learn  from  his 
letter  which  I  send  to  you.  Eeflect  twice  what  answer  I  shall 
make  to  that  head,  in  which  he  reminds  me  that  there  is  danger 
if  any  mention  is  made  of  predestination.  That  he  thinks 
nothing  should  be  attempted  about  a  convention  is  a  thing 
neither  new  nor  surprising  to  me.  For  I  had  figured  to  my- 
self this  answer  before  I  wrote.  At  the  same  time,  however, 
you  see  how  coldly  and  hesitatingly  he  gives  me  hopes  of  his 
protection,  and  that  of  the  church  of  Zurich,  which  in  the 
beginning  he  promised  with  an  excess  of  generosity.  But  as 
I  have  undertaken  the  cause  without  counting  upon  the  help 
of  others,  so  now,  though  they  deceive  me,  I  will  not  desist. 
Nay,  to  confess  to  you  the  truth,  as  a  freer  field  will  now  be 
open  to  me,  my  alacrity  is  even  increased.  For  you  know 
how  much  I  was  obliged  hitherto  to  concede  to  their  fastidi- 
ousness. Of  the  state  of  our  city  I  have  nothing  certain  at 
present  to  write  to  you  ;  for  not  before  fifteen  days  will  the 
deputies  set  out  for  the  renewing  of  the  treaty  of  alliance. 
But  what  is  now  in  agitation  no  doubt  our  friend  Eoset  has 
already  exposed.     Of  the  marriage  of  the  Saxon,  though  I 


238  FAREL.  [1555. 

had  beard  nothing,  yet  I  am  disposed  to  think  it  a  fabulous 
report.1  It  is  a  story  from  the  same  mint  which  is  handed 
about  concerning  the  emperor's  turning  monk.2  But  that  in 
my  turn  I  may  pay  you  with  similar  coin,  I  shall  tell  you  that 
Marcourt,3  suddenly  seized  with  inspiration  to  sing  my  praises, 
has  become  a  poet.  I  know  not  what  bickering  had  fallen 
out,  as  was  usual,  between  him  and  that  band.  Wishing 
then  to  break  with  them,  and  having  composed  a  distich,  he 
attempted  to  return  into  my  good  graces.  He  sets  me  above 
Hercules  because  I  have  vanquished  two  monsters.  The  two 
monsters  he  calls  the  lion  and  the  dragon,  (for  he  himself  has 
stitched  a  commentary  to  his  words,)  and  what  Augustin 
writes  of  the  church,  that  the  church  tramples  under  foot  the 
lion  and  the  dragon,  because  it  bravely  resists  tyrants  and 
heretics,  that  our  poet  may  apply  this  to  me,  he  says,  heresies 
have  been  crushed  in  Servetus,  and  the  rage  of  persecutors  in 
Perrin.  It  is  lucky  he  began  so  to  speak  of  me  in  the  first 
quarter  of  the  moon,  because  I  shall  thus  enjoy  my  eulogy 
for  at  least  twenty  days.  Our  friend  Humbert  has  come  here, 
later  than  I  should  have  wished,  but  yet  seasonably  enough, 
if  he  can  accomplish  the  object  of  his  journey.  For  it  is  not 
possible  that  he  can  conveniently  return  to  you.  I  have 
already  declared  that  I  will  not  suffer  it.  Farewell,  my  best 
and  most  worthy  brother.  May  the  Lord  long  preserve  you 
in  safety,  and  continue  to  direct  you  by  his  Spirit.  My  fel- 
low pastors  salute  you,  as  well  as  numerous  friends  whose 
names  I  omit  to  mention  not  to  fill  up  another  page.  Do  you 
also  present  my  respects  to  your  prefect  and  common  council 
men,  and  fellow  pastors.     Again,  Farewell. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[TmI.  orig,  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Yol.  107  a.] 

1  Alluding  to  an  unknown  fact. 

a  Abdicating  the  crown  of  Spnin  in  favour  of  his  son  Philip  II.,  and  bequeathing 
the  empire  to  his  brother  Ferdinand,  Charles  V.  had  indeed  just  retired  to  St.  Justus 
to  the  great  astonishment  of  Europe. 

8  See  vol.  i.  p.  74,  the  note  relative  to  Marcourt.  He  had  long  since  ceased  to  ex- 
ercise the  ministry  at  Geneva. 


1555.]  FAREL. 


239 


CCCCXXIIL— To  Farel. 

Lutheranism  and  Reform— Palinodia  of  Marenurt— wishes  for  the  renewing  of  the  al- 
liance with  Berne. 

Geneva,  1th  December  1555. 

It  is  with  reason  that  you  rejoice  that  the  Confession  of 
Augsbourg  has  been  courageously  defended  by  the  German 
princes.  But  if  you  hope  that  any  succour  will  come  from 
these  patrons  to  our  unfortunate  brethren  who  are  oppressed 
in  France,  you  are  greatly  mistaken.  They  will  rather  inflame 
the  cruelty  of  the  persecutors,  and  unless  some  sudden  conver- 
sion miraculously  take  place,  they  will  drag  us  also  to  be 
butchered.  But  though  I  foresee  what  dangers  are  impending 
over  our  heads,  I  rejoice  nevertheless  that  in  some  place  the 
reign  of  Christ  is  propagated. 

The  poet  who  you  fear  will  again  strike  up  my  praises,  has 
perhaps  already  sung  his  palinodia,  because  he  perceives  that 
he  had  laid  out  his  labour  poorly  and  without  any  advantage, 
unless  perhaps,  because  there  is  nobody  to  whom  he  can  ad- 
dress himself,  he  prefers  to  suspend  his  opinion.  But  let  him 
suspend  himself1  if  he  likes,  provided  we  abide  in  the  Lord. 
Our  deputies  who  were  sent  to  renew  the  alliance,  will  begin 
to  treat  next  Monday.  God  grant  that  ere  long  they  announce 
to  us  that  the  business  is  despatched.  If  our  neighbours  ob- 
stinately reject  what  we  offer,  it  will  be  necessary  to  go  a  little 
farther,  and  not  without  their  disgrace.  There  is  no  oppor- 
tunity for  religion  being  mixed  up  in  the  question,  but  some 
chink  or  other  will  be  opened  through  which  it  will  pass. 
The  Lord  stand  by  you,  my  most  excellent  brother,  and 
govern  you  by  his  Spirit.     Salute  the  brethren  in  my  name. 

— Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lot.  copy. — Library  of  Zurich.     Coll.  Simler,  torn.  86.] 
1  Literally,  let  him  go  be  hanged 


240  THE    CHURCH   OF   FRANKFORT.  1555. 


CCCCXXIV.— To  the  Church  of  Frankfort.1 

He  exhorts  the  members  of  this  church  to  be  reconciled  to  their  pastor,  and  not  to  re- 
new the  ancient  quarrel  of  the  Guelfs  and  Ghibelines. 

Geneva,  22nd  December  1555. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  be  always  upon  you,  by  the  communication  of  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

Beloved  Brethren, — It  gives  me  great  pain,  that  I  have 
no  sooner  had  occasion  to  bless  and  praise  God  for  the  pros- 
perity of  your  church,  than  I  have  to  declare  to  you  with  what 
sorrow,  I  have  received  disagreeable  news  of  your  state.  The 
death  of  our  excellent  brother,  Master  Eichard  Yauville,  was 
very  sad  tidings  to  us,  for  in  him  God  had  furnished  you  with 
a  good  and  faithful  pastor,  a  thing  not  always  easily  replaced.2 
Nay  at  the  present  time  the  number  of  those  who  faithfully 
labour  in  the  service  of  God  is  very  small.  I  trust  that  you 
have  already  experienced  how  useful  his  labours  were,  and  in 
what  uprightness  he  walked.  Nevertheless  I  hope  that  our 
brother,  Master  Francis,3  whom  you  have  elected  to  succeed 

" '  To  our  well  beloved  brethren,  the  elders,  deacons,  and  the  whole  body  of  the 
church  of  Frankfort." 

This  church,  one  of  the  most  important  among  those  of  the  refugees,  owed  its  origin 
to  the  dispersion  of  the  foreign  congregation  of  London,  during  the  reign  of  Mary 
Tudor.  Its  fugitive  members,  repelled  from  the  harbours  of  Denmark,  arrived  in  great 
numbers  at  Frankfort  on  the  Maine,  and  obtained  permission  from  the  senate  of  that 
city  there  publicly  to  celebrate  their  worship,  (ISfA  March  1554).  This  conduct,  as 
prudent  as  it  was  generous,  procured  for  the  magistrates  of  Frankfort  the  public  thanks 
of  Calvin  :  "This  news,  certainly,  has  afforded  me^reat  consolation.  .  .  when  I  heard 
that  the  good  and  faithful  children  of  God,  flying  from  England  and  other  places,  had 
arrived  in  your  city,  where  they  were  humanely  received  and  lodged,  and  that  you 
had  not  only  granted  a  refuge  to  their  sad  exile,  but  had  also  done  suitable  honour  to 
the  Son  of  God,  by  deciding  that  his  gospel  should  be  loudly  and  openly  preached 
among  you  in  foreign  tongues."  Commentary  on  the  Harmony  of  the  Goopeh,  dedicated 
to  the  Seigneurs  of  Frankfort,  \tt  August  1555.  The  French  church  of  this  city,  in- 
creased by  new  emigrants,  had  for  moderator  John  Laski,  for  ministers  Valeran 
Poulain  and  Richard  Vauville.  The  death  of  the  latter  exposed  the  rising  community 
to  long  troubles,  which  rendered  necessary  several  times  the  intervention  of  Calvin. 

1  See  note  1,  p.  236. 

3  Francis  Perucel,  then  minister  of  the  church  of  Wezel. 


1555.]  THE    CHURCH    OF   FRANKFORT.  24L 

him,  will  so  acquit  himself  according  to  the  grace  which  God 
has  bestowed  on  him  that  you  shall  not  be  left  destitute,  and 
that  at  the  same  time  the  poor  brethren  of  Wezel  shall  not  re- 
main unprovided  for,  convinced  as  I  am  that  you  will  see  to 
it,  and  that  every  thing  between  you  shall  be  done  with  one 
accord.  For  their  necessity  also  admonishes  you  to  come  to 
their  aid.  What  now  urges  me  to  write  to  you  is  the  sorrow 
which  I  bear  in  my  heart  on  account  of  the  troubles  and  con- 
tentions that  are  kept  up  too  long  among  you.  I  was  indeed 
persuaded  that  every  thing  had  been  appeased,  and  here  I  praised 
God  for  it,  after  having  heard  the  report  which  our  good 
brother,  Saint  Andre,  had  given  on  the  whole  business;  my 
grief  is  therefore  redoubled  when  I  see  the  evil  which  I  thought 
had  been  stifled  still  persisting. 

Your  attention  was  then  directed  to  some  faults  which  you 
found  in  our  brother,  Master  Yaleran,  your  pastor.1  So  suitable 
a  remedy  had  been  applied  to  them,  that  you  had  ample  reason 
to  be  satisfied,  and  the  rather  that  he  had  submitted  to  every 
correction.  Now,  by  what  I  hear,  there  is  at  present  a  new 
difference  to  be  settled  :  For  some  are  disinclined  to  consider 
or  avow  him  for  their  pastor,  till  he  have  given  in  his  resig- 
nation of  his  office  and  a  new  election  be  proceeded  to.  For 
my  part  I  am  obliged  to  declare  that  those  who  insist  on  such 
points  have  not  duly  reflected,  shewing  an  excessive  rigour 
which  is  but  ill  calculated  for  the  edification  of  the  church.  I 
am  not  informed  minutely  respecting  the  manner  in  which 
he  began  to  preach  among  you,  nor  how  he  was  settled  in  the 
place  where  he  now  is.  If  all  the  forms  had  been  observed 
which  are  usual  in  an  election,  I  suppose  it  would  not  now  be 
called  in  question.  Let  us  adopt  the  supposition  then  that 
some  objections  might  be  made  to  it.     Nevertheless  reflect,  I 

'A  letter  of  John  Laski  to  Calvin,  initiates  us  perfectly  into  the  faults  attributed  to 
this  minister  :  "  These  disturbances  arose  in  the  French  Church  from  some  aversion  con- 
ceived, I  know  not  why,  against  Valeran  Poulain,  for  things  distinct  from  his  personal 
merits.  For  though  I  confess  that  many  things  are  to  be  desired  in  him  which  he 
does  not  possess,  just  as  in  all  of  us,  for  we  are  all  men  yet,  more  than  his  personal 
character,  namely,  the  fidelity  of  his  ministry  and  his  good  name  were  attacked,  and 
that  not  without  danger  to  the  whole  church."  Letter  of  the  19th  September  1555. 
(Library  of  Geneva,  vol.  112.) 

31 


242  THE   CHURCH    OF    FRANKFORT.  [1555. 

pray  you,  if  a  brother  comes  to  ask  in  a  foreign  country  for  a 
place  and  permission  to  assemble  a  flock  belonging  to  Jesus 
Christ,  whether  the  inhabitants  of  the  place  assembling  them- 
selves with  him  and  listening  to  his  doctrine,  do  not  in  point 
of  fact  elect  him,  though  the  customary  formalities  may  have 
been  neglected.  Nay,  it  seems  to  me  that  there  is  ingratitude 
in  afterwards  rejecting  a  brother,  when  he  has  already  contri- 
buted to  plant  a  church,  and  in  thus  making  no  account  of  his 
labours  after  these  have  furnished  the  means  of  first  forming 
an  assembly  in  the  name  of  God,  and  under  his  direction.  I 
confess  to  you  that  when  a  settled  state  of  things  is  established, 
it  is  not  lawful  to  disturb  order;  where  as  yet  nothing  has  been 
edified,  the  case  indeed  is  very  different.  Look  at  the  numer- 
ous churches  all  over  Germany  which  have  been  acquired  for 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Have  not  those  whose  labours  first 
planted  the  gospel  in  them,  been  received  as  pastors  without 
any  other  ceremony?  I  mean  not  to  draw  you  away  from  the 
authority  of  men,  but  I  adduce  to  you  this  example  to  prove 
the  point  I  am  handling;  viz.,  that  the  same  manner  of  election 
is  not  requisite  in  an  unsettled  state  of  things  as  when  a  church 
is  already  duly  regulated.  I  find  then  neither  reason  nor 
foundation  for  such  scruples;  on  the  contrary  I  am  tempted  to 
believe,  that  people  only  seek  to  make  a  handle  of  them. 

For  the  rest,  only  think  in  what  a  labyrinth  we  should  be 
plunged  if  such  notions  were  admitted.  What  would  become 
of  all  the  baptisms  that  have  been  administered  during  all 
that  time?  How  could  you  be  said  to  have  participated  of 
the  Lord's  Supper?  I  will  say  nothing  further  on  this  sub- 
ject, because  these  considerations  should  suffice  to  check  the 
contentions  which  in  reality  are  become  excessive.  But  if 
they  are  not  sufficient  for  the  brethren,  who,  stirred  up  by 
zeal,  are  too  obstinately  attached  to  their  own  opinions,  I  pray 
them,  in  the  name  of  God,  to  reflect  on  the  dangers  to  which 
they  expose  the  whole  society.  You  are  settled  there  as  it 
were  in  a  borrowed  lodging.  When  people  will  perceive  how 
difficult  it  is  to  satisfy  you,  will  your  peevishness  not  tend  to 
indispose  the  kind  seigneurs  who  have  received  you  with  so 
much  humanity?     Afterwards  you  see  that  in  the  person  of 


1555.]  THE  CHURCH  OF  FRANKFORT.  243 

him  whom  they  oppose,  you  are,  every  one  of  you,  assailed  by 
those  who  seek  nothing  but  a  pretext  to  ruin  you.  It  is  mar- 
vellous how  the  Guelfs  and  the  Ghibelines  come  to  an  un- 
derstanding, when  they  see  an  enemy  elsewhere,  and  that  this 
example  should  be  lost  upon  you,  who  ought  to  be  united  in 
the  truth  of  the  gospel.  Those  who  are  opposed  to  you  with 
regard  to  the  Lord's  Supper,  begin  to  make  war  on  you  in 
order  to  have  your  assembly  suppressed.1  Master  Valeran  is 
prepared  to  repel  them  and  sustains  the  first  attacks.  That 
he  should  be  molested  by  you  into  the  bargain  is  really  too 
extraordinary.  His  distress  even  ought  to  soften  the  hearts 
of  those  who  may  have  had  occasion  to  be  offended  with  him, 
especially  when  you  see  that  God  has  visited  you  with  the 
plague,  and  that  he  has  already  taken  away  one  of  your  pas- 
tors, threatening  as  it  were  to  deprive  you  of  all  spiritual 
nourishment,  since  you  are  so  little  disposed  to  be  satisfied. 

I  write  to  you  these  things  as  wishing  to  extinguish  a 
fire  that  has  been  kindled;  still  if  any  one  feels  himself 
aggrieved,  let  me  entreat  you  at  least  in  the  name  of  God, 
that  without  stirring  up  strife  or  bickerings,  you  have  the 
patience  to  listen  to  good  counsel  and  follow  it.  I  hope  indeed 
that  my  remonstrances  will  suffice,  but  I  have  addressed  them 
to  you  as  my  last  expedient.  Notwithstanding  all  that,  I 
should  greatly  prefer  that  the  evil  were  at  once  and  without 
delay  corrected,  and  a  good  understanding  re-established. 
Were  it  so,  I  declare  to  you,  it  would  be  no  small  matter  of 
rejoicing  to  your  brethren,  who  are  desirous  of  your  tran- 
quillity and  eternal  welfare,  and  would  wish  as  far  as  it  de- 
pends on  them  to  secure  that  end. 

Whereupon,  commending  me  to  your  fervent  prayers,  I  sup- 
plicate our  heavenly  Father  to  govern  you  by  his  Holy  Spi- 
rit in  all  meekness,  wisdom,  and  virtue.  My  companions  all 
most  cordially  greet  you. 

Your  humble  brother,  John  Calvin. 

[Ft:  orig. — Arch,  of  the  French  Church  of  Frankfort.] 

1  Allusion  to  the  ultra-Lutheran  party,  who  saw  with  pain  the  introduction  of  the 
Reformed  worship  at  Frankfort,  and  who  by  its  intrigues,  obtained  the  interdiction 
of  this  worship  in  1564.  Valeran  Poulain  combated  the  intolerance  of  this  party 
in  a  virulent  pamphlet,  entitled  The  Antidote,  which  appeared  in  the  month  of  May, 
1557.     Documents  of  the  Lutheran  Church  of  Frankfort,  torn.  ii.  passim. 


244  THE   KING   OF   POLAND.  [1555. 


CCCCXXV.— To  the  King  of  Poland.1 

He  exhorts  him  to  undertake  courageously  the  reform  of  his  states  in  proposing  to 
him  the  example  of  David,  Hezekiah,  and  Josiah. 

Geneva,  24th  December  1555. 

Most  excellent  king,  though  I  neither  wonder  nor  doubt 
that  at  the  time  in  which  your  majesty  held  a  convention  of 
your  estates,  distracted  as  you  were  by  a  load  of  business, 
and  a  multiplicity  of  weighty  cares,  you  had  no  leisure  to 
peruse  my  exhortation  ;  nevertheless  I  am  confident,  that  since 
the  pressure  of  affairs  is  a  little  diminished,  you  have  found 
a  vacant  hour  to  give  to  it,  so  that  my  labour  may  not  have 
been  altogether  unprofitable.  For  from  the  letter  which  your 
majesty  condescended  to  send,  I  understand  that  my  earnest- 
ness was  not  displeasing,  that  neither  from  haughtiness  nor 
contempt  was  that  writing  of  mine  rejected,  in  which  I  had 
briefly  attempted  to  point  out  the  true  method  of  reforming 
the  church,  and  what  were  the  most  suitable  measures  to 
begin  with.  What  is  more,  as  your  majesty  has  signified 
that  you  had  graciously  received  and  willingly  inspected  it, 
and  that,  when  a  more  perfect  leisure  would  permit,  it  was 
your  intention  to  meditate  more  attentively  on  each  of  the 
points  to  which  it  referred,  I  have  thence  naturally  concluded, 
that  greater  encouragement  was  held  out  to  me  to  renew  my 
task  of  writing.  If  now  therefore  I  am  emboldened  to  exhort 
a  second  time  your  majesty,  I  deem  it  superfluous  to  demand 

1  See  the  letter  p.  99.  This  prince  always  inclined  towards  the  religious  reforma- 
tion of  his  states,  to  which  he  flattered  himself  to  associate  the  Pope  himself;  but 
the  nobility  of  the  kingdom  did  not  share  his  illusions,  as  is  attested  by  the  follow- 
ing fragment  of  a  letter  of  Laski  to  Calvin  :  "  The  king  and  the  order  of  the  nobles  now 
seem  to  differ  a  little  respecting  the  cause  of  religion;  the  difference  is  not  so  great 
as  to  prevent  the  progress  of  the  cause.  The  king  wishes  to  determine  nothing  with- 
out having  first  consulted  the  Pope,  whom  he  entreats  to  send  deputies  to  the  first 
Diet,  in  which,  in  preference  to  every  other  thing,  the  question  of  religion  is  to  be 
handled.  The  nobles  demand,  that  whether  the  Pope  send,  or  do  not  send,  his  repre- 
sentatives, the  true  religion  be  restored."  Calvin  in  his  turn  addressed  frank  advice 
to  the  king. 


1555.]  THE    KING   OF    POLAND.  245 

further  permission  or  trouble  you  with  any  laboured  apology. 
I  am  not  ignorant  indeed  nor  forgetful  of  the  vast  distance 
which  separates  a  person  of  my  humble  and  abject  condition 
from  the  exalted  rank  in  which  God  has  placed  so  great  a 
king.     But  as  your  majesty  perfectly  comprehends  the  im- 
port of  that  heavenly  edict  by  which  all  kings  are  commanded 
to  embrace  the  Son  of  God,  and  knows  at  the  same  time  that 
by  the  external  rite  of  embracing  is  denoted  that  obedience 
of  faith  which  reverently  accepts  the  holy  admonitions  pro- 
ceeding from  the  mouth  of  Christ  and  the  Spirit,  it  seems  to 
me  that  all  fear  and  hesitation  are  put  an  end  to.     Since  then 
in  Poland  true  religion  has  already  begun  to  dawn  on  the 
darkness  of  Popery ;  since  many  pious  and  wise  men  having 
cast  aside  impious  superstitions,  voluntarily  aspire  after  the 
pure  worship  of  God,  I  whom  the  King  of  kings  has  appointed 
a  preacher  of  his  gospel,  and  a  minister  of  his  church,  call 
upon  your  majesty  in  his  name,  to  make  this  work  above  all 
others  your,  especial  care.     And  assuredly  as  much  as  the 
eternal  glory  of  God  surpasses  the  obscure  and  perishable 
state  of  this  world,  so  much  does  it  become  us,  giving  a  sub- 
ordinate place  to  every  other  consideration,  to  put  forth  all 
our  endeavours  to  defend  and  assert  the  doctrine  of  piety. 
That  Poland  up  to  this  time,  defiled  by  the  corruptions  of 
Popery,  and  a  polluted  and  perverted  worship  of  God,  has 
gone  astray  after  human  devices ;  that,  in  fine,  sunk  in  the 
slough  of  errors,  it  has  been  deprived  of  the  view  of  the  hea- 
venly light  —  was  a  sad  and  wretched  spectacle.     But  now, 
when  the  Lord  begins  to  deliver  it  from  that  foolishuess  and 
infatuation  with  which  the  whole  world  has  been  struck,  it  is 
necessary  that  all — the  highest  like  the  humblest — should 
awake  from  their  lethargy.     Ought  kings  then  to  loiter  whom 
God  has  set  on  high  for  this  very  purpose,  that  from  their 
elevation  they  might  send  forth  their  light  to  all  people?  Be- 
sides, of  what  importance  we  should  deem  undetiled  religion 
through  which  a  tribunal  is  erected  among  us  to  Christ — of 
what  importance  the  legitimate  worship  of  God,  in  which  the 
symbol  and  lively  image  of  his  presence  shines  forth — your 
majesty  knows  too  well  to  require  to  be  reminded  of  it  by 


246  THE    KIXG    OF    POLAND.  [1555. 

me.  And  indeed  if  the  example  of  David  alone  does  not 
animate  us  on  this  subject,  our  sluggishness  is  altogether  in- 
excusable. For  when  in  his  days  the  fathers  worshipped  God 
only  under  obscure  figures  in  an  earthly  tabernacle,  it  is 
nevertheless  related,  that  he  had  solemnly  sworn,  that  he 
would  neither  give  sleep  to  his  eyes,  nor  slumber  to  his  eye- 
lids, nor  enter  the  threshold  of  his  house,  till  he  had  found 
out  a  place  for  the  Lord,  a  tabernacle  for  the  God  of  Jacob. 
If  a  pious  solicitude  for  a  legal  worship  did  not  suffer  that 
prince  to  rest,  but  that  day  and  night  he  was  not  less  anx- 
iously than  assiduously  intent  on  seeking  out  a  fixed  abode 
for  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  how  much  more  at  present  should 
the  spiritual  worship  of  God  absorb  all  the  zeal  of  a  christian 
sovereign,  and  all  his  endeavours  be  more  keenly  directed  to 
the  discharge  of  this  office  so  distinguished  and  honourable, 
by  which  Christ  should  be  exalted  above  all !  Add  to  these 
considerations  that  David,  though  he  was  deprived  of  the  hon- 
our of  building  the  temple,  did  not  cease  however  during  the 
whole  course  of  his  life  to  amass  stones,  materials,  gold  and 
silver,  in  order  that  Solomon,  his  successor,  furnished  with 
all  the  means,  might  forthwith,  without  any  delay,  set  about 
the  work  with  greater  alacrity.  Wherefore  it  becomes  a  chris- 
tian king  so  much  the  more  courageously  to  bring  together 
all  his  means  for  the  reconstruction  of  God's  temple,  and  strive 
with  all  his  might,  that  the  worship  of  God  lie  no  longer  de- 
faced amid  unseemly  ruins.  And  though  obstacles  are  never 
wanting  to  retard  this  pious  zeal,  yet  your  majesty  has  far 
less  difficulty  to  struggle  with,  than  of  old  the  pious  princes 
Hezekiah  and  Josiah,  who  had  an  arduous  and  severe  contest 
with  the  contumacy  of  their  people ;  whereas  in  our  days  the 
greater  part  of  the  Polish  nobility  shews  a  prompt  and  cheer- 
ful disposition  to  embrace  the  faith  of  Christ.  With  such  aid 
it  becomes  a  wise  prince  to  rouse  himself,  and  in  his  turn  put 
his  hand  not  less  actively  to  the  work.  Nor  indeed  should 
you  give  ear  in  this  matter  to  those  flattering  reasons  by 
which,  through  the  instrumentality  of  profane  men,  Satan, 
spreading  a  mortal  coldness,  plunges  in  an  ignoble  lethargy 
the  senses  of  many.     On  the  contrary,  shaking  off  all  torpor, 


1556.]  BULLINGEE.  247 

you  should  bestir  every  member  to  proceed  in  so  excellent  a 
work,  and  especially  since  things  now  seem  ripe  for  action  ; 
for  if  the  opportunity  offered  by  God  is  neglected,  you  may 
afterwards  have  to  stand  in  vain  before  a  door  that  is  closed. 
Meanwhile  we  will  put  up  continual  prayers,  that  the  Lord 
of  his  incredible  power  may  happily  perfect  the  work  he  has 
begun,  may  arm  your  majesty  with  an  heroic  spirit,  and  pre- 
serve you  safe  in  a  prosperous  condition.1 
Your  majesty's  most  devoted, 

John  Calvin. 

[Calvin's  Lat.  Corresp.    Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  104.] 


CCCCXXVL— To  Bullinger. 

Last  steps  adopted  to  obtain  the  renewing  of  the  alliance  with  Berne — second  writing 
against  Westphal. 

Geneva,  23c?  January  1556. 

I  wrote  some  time  ago  that  our  citizens  had  deliberated  about 
renewing  the  alliance  acording  to  the  old  regulations  ;  but 
finding  the  Bernese  opposed  to  this,  they  strove  to  shew  a 
conciliating  spirit.  At  length  it  came  to  this,  that  in  the 
principal  article  which  the  Bernese  greatly  insisted  on, 
our  townsmen  preferred  to  yield  rather  than  incur  the  charge 
of  obstinacy.  This  point  being  conceded,  we  hoped  that  they 
would  be  so  mollified  as  not  to  shew  themselves  troublesome 
about  the  rest.  Since  we  have  been  disappointed  in  this  ex- 
pectation, our  citizens  implore  the  trusty  intervention  of  your 
most  illustrious  senate,  to  influence  by  their  friendly  entrea- 
ties the  Bernese.  And  hence  you  see  with  what  truth  I  had 
affirmed  to  you,  that  it  was  not  to  be  feared  that  our  citizens 
would  adopt  any  turbulent  measure,  as  the  Bernese  had  been 
led  to  suspect,  or  at  least  as   the  rumour  had  been  spread. 

1  Follows  here,  the  date  of  the  letter,  (Christmas  eve,)  accompanied  with  the  follow- 
ing wish  :  "  The  day  before  the  feast  of  the  nativity  of  Christ,  who,  as  he  has  been 
endowed  with  all  power  by  the  Father,  I  desire  may  be  welcomed  reverently  in  your 
palace,  and  worshipped  according  to  his  claims  by  all." 


248  BULLIXGER.  [1556. 

But  it  would  be  superfluous  to  charge  with  a  longer  writing 
the  bearer,  who  will  discharge  perfectly  well  the  functions  of 
a  living  letter.  Of  you  privately  I  require  nothing,  except 
to  confirm  by  your  authority  your  townsmen,  who  are,  I  trust, 
sufficiently  well  inclined  of  themselves  to  render  us  this  service. 
Of  the  refutation  of  Westphal  of  which  I  send  you  a  copy,  I 
should  like  very  much  to  know  what  you  yourself  think,  and 
what  is  the  judgment  of  others.1  I  see  that  I  have  been  a 
little  more  violent  than  I  had  intended.  But  I  know  not  how 
I  have  forgotten  myself  in  the  course  of  dictation.  If  the 
book  has  not  pleased,  you  may  say  that  it  was  not  written  by 
me.  But  seriously  I  hope,  that  it  will  be  so  agreeable  to  you 
and  the  brethren,  that  there  will  be  no  occasion  for  seeking 
to  make  an  apology  for  it.  You  will  of  course  give  your 
opinion  freely.  Perhaps  also,  something  may  have  been  pub- 
lished by  yourself,  which  will  stand  in  the  room  of  a  criti- 
cism, because  then  the  method  which  has  been  approved  of 
by  you  will  be  evident.  One  thing  I  see,  which  is,  that  I 
have  so  provoked  the  hatred  of  those  that  have  hitherto  been 
hostile  to  you,  that  the  war  which  they  will  wage  with  me, 
will  procure  you  a  truce.  May  the  Lord  then  add  to  my 
courage  and  strength,  to  support  this  heavy  task.  Farewell, 
most  accomplished  sir,  and  ever  honoured  brother.  My  col- 
leagues salute  you.  In  your  turn  salute  yours  in  my  name. 
May  the  Lord  continually  preserve,  direct,  and  bless  you, 
your  wife  and  your  family. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich.     Gest.  vi.  166,  p.  25.] 

1  Secunda  de/ensio  p>ce  et  sanre  doctrince,  etc The  second  defence  of 

the  pious  and  orthodox  faith  concerning  the  sacraments,  against  the  calumnies  of  T. 
Westphal,  in  8vo.  1556.  Opera,  torn,  viii.,  and  Opuscules,  p.  1498.  In  his  first  answer, 
Calvin  had  abstained  from  naming  his  adversary.  He  showed  less  forbearance  in  the 
second. 


1556.]  NICHOLAS   ZERKIXDEN.  2-t9 


CCCCXXVIL— To  Nicholas  Zerkindex.' 

Explanations  on  the  subject  of  the  difference  between  Berne  and  Geneva — wishes  for 
the  good  intelligence  of  the  republics. 

Gexeva,  21st  February  1556. 

Nothing  has  occurred  for  a  long  time  more  agreeable  to  me 
or  better  adapted  to  mitigate  my  vexations  than  your  letter. 
For  I  have  no  need  to  say  how  deep  and  bitter  a  wound  was 
inflicted  on  me  by  my  despair  of  renewing  the  alliance. 
Among  you  many  pretend,  for  the  sake  of  making  me  odious, 
that  they  are  persuaded  of  the  contrary.  But  whoever  will 
take  the  trouble  to  inquire,  provided  he  gives  a  serious  atten- 
tion to  this  subject,  will  acknowledge,  even  should  he  be  un- 
favourable to  me,  that  all  my  efforts  were  directed  to  maintain 
unimpaired  the  alliance  of  the  two  cities,  and  that  I  feared 
nothing  with  so  much  anxiety,  as  lest  our  obstinacy  should 
throw  us  into  these  difficulties.  At  the  commencement  when 
the  conditions  were  discussed,  I  was  admitted  by  the  senate  to 
their  deliberations.  You  will  ask  why  I  should  mix  myself 
up  with  those  affairs,  which  do  not  become  my  profession,  and 
engender  great  animosity  against  me  among  many.  Though 
rarely  I  meddle  with  these  political  matters,  and  am  dragged 
on  to  them  against  my  inclination,  yet  I  sometimes  allow  my- 

1  The  negotiations  between  Berne  and  Geneva  for  the  renewing  of  the  alliance,  re- 
tarded by  the  intrigues  and  machinations  of  the  parties,  had  just  completely  failed,  to 
the  great  regret  of  the  good  citizens  of  both  republics.  The  moderate  Zerkinden  made 
himself  the  organ  of  this  opinion  in  an  eloquent  letter  addressed  to  Calvin:  "I  am 
indeed  astonished  that,  amid  so  many  men  of  distinguished  talent  belonging  to  both 
republics,  not  one  has  presented  himself  to  oppose  vigorously  this  evil.  Oh,  what 
times!  Ob,  what  manners,  void  of  all  fairness  and  integrity!  Shall  then  through 
our  perversity,  suspicion,  tergiversation,  collusions,  calumnies,  dissensions,  bickerings, 
animosities,  open  and  concealed,  at  last  perhaps  wars,  seditions,  and  universal  disorder 
every  where,  without  let  or  hindrance  assail  us?  I  believe  that  our  countrymen,  dear 
as  they  hold  their  eyes,  would  rather  have  them  put  out  than  once  open  them  to  see 
the  truth.  By  the  everlasting  God,  what  is  the  cause  why  treaties  of  alliance,  not 
only  ratified  by  civil  sanctions,  but  sealed  by  the  word  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  by  our 
own  salvation,  should  be  thus  from  slight  and  unworthy  motives  torn  to  pieces?'' 
Letter  of  the  lith  February  1556.     (Library  of  Geneva,  vol.  114.) 

32 


250  NICHOLAS    ZERKIXDEX.  [1556. 

self  to  be  persuaded  to  take  part  in  them,  when  necessity  re- 
quires it.  Certainly  I  have  hitherto  maintained  that  modera- 
tion of  which  I  do  not  repent.  I  know  how  the  wicked  prate 
about  that.  But  I  have  so  carefully  abstained  from  the 
management  of  affairs,  which  they  loudly  accuse  me  of  am- 
bitiously usurping,  that  I  am  a  stranger  in  this  city.  For 
every  day  I  hear  persons  of  the  lowest  rank  discussing  matters, 
which  are  utterly  unknown  to  me.  The  senate,  moreover,  are 
never  accustomed  to  send  for  me  except  when  they  are  in 
difficulty  for  want  of  counsel;  either  because  they  think  it  un- 
becoming, or  because  they  do  not  willingly  implore  assistance 
of  others,  or  because  they  see  that  I  myself  am  averse  to  it. 
I  wish  I  had  been  at  liberty  to  demand  my  exemption.  But 
since  I  returned  here  fourteen  years  ago,  when  God  held  out 
his  hand  to  me,  men  importunately  solicited  me,  and  I  myself 
had  no  decent  pretext  for  refusal,  I  have  preferred  to  bestow 
my  pains  in  pacifying  troubles  to  remaining  an  idle  spectator 
of  them.  To  pass  by  earlier  examples,  unless  some  one  had 
calmed  the  first  burst  of  hostile  feeling,  what  kind  of  com- 
mencement should  we  have  had  to  this  transaction  ?  Our 
citizens  are  not  so  dull  as  not  to  feel  that  they  are  hardly  dealt 
with  in  many  articles.  The  minds  of  all  were  so  bent  upon 
having  the  treaty  concluded  on  a  new  basis.  If  they  accepted 
the  old  form  it  was  due  to  the  efforts  of  him,  who,  unwilling 
to  see  this  city  ruined,  wrung  from  them,  after  long  and 
arduous  struggles,  their  consent.  I  indeed  who  was  present 
am  astonished  that  what  you  see  was  effected.  For  just  as 
each  delivers  himself  most  audaciously,  though  his  ravings 
cause  our  ruin,  yet  as  he  seems  to  defend  the  public  rights 
more  courageously  than  the  others,  so  he  easily  moves  and 
even  inflames  the  inexperienced.  What  a  storm  of  angry 
passions  was  to  be  laid,  before  so  calm  and  sedate  an  answer 
could  come  to  you !  I  confess  also  in  a  friendly  letter,  that 
some  little  sparks  of  resentment  were  passed  over,  but  some 
allowance  was  to  be  made  for  bitter  feelings  till  by  degrees 
resentments  should  be  softened  down.  But  nothing  contribu- 
ted more  to  break  off  all  negotiation  than  your  peremptory 
rigour  in  refusing.     Already  the  minds  of  our  townsmen  had 


1556.]  NICHOLAS   ZKEKINDBN.  251 

been  exasperated  by  the  excessive  favour  you  had  shewn  to 
their  enemies.  A  threatening  and  stinging  letter  had  been 
sent  from  your  city,  whence  it  might  readily  be  concluded,  an 
occasion  for  insulting  us  was  seized  upon.  It  grieved  us  also 
that  so  much  license  was  allowed  to  the  defamations  of  wicked 
and  condemned  criminals,  when  the  scrupulous  observance  of 
the  league  bound  us  on  both  sides  to  protect  mutually  the 
honour  of  each  other.  When  finally  you  rejected  the  offered 
adjustment,  by  writing  to  Germany,  which  had  never  been 
done  before,  you  seemed  as  of  set  purpose  to  bring  open  con- 
tempt upon  us.  But  for  the  most  part  the  person  who  is  in- 
ferior in  power  is  suspicious.  You  know  the  reflection  of 
Terence,  those  whose  circumstances  are  not  very  flourishing 
take  every  thing  for  an  insult.  And  yet  you  now  perceive 
that  our  citizens,  after  they  had  been  received  as  they  thought 
not  very  courteously,  nevertheless  had  recourse  to  no  hostile 
measures  in  consulting  their  own  interest.  On  the  contrary 
they  politely  endeavoured  to  bring  about,  by  the  intervention 
of  common  friends,  that  reconciliation  which  you  yourself 
personally  desire.  Here  I  was  unwilling  that  our  citizens 
should  wrangle  too  obstinately  about  the  rights  of  hunting 
and  trifles  of  that  sort,  and  they  are  ready  also  to  listen  to 
what  you  wish  they  should  give  up.  But  as  I  am  afraid  that 
they  will  with  difficulty  endure  to  be  despoiled  of  a  jurisdic- 
tion which  they  have  hitherto  possessed,  a  plan  of  mutual 
compensation  seems  the  most  expedient  resource,  and  that  I 
have  also,  to  the  utmost  of  my  ability,  exhorted  them  to. 
Since  the  question  hinges  on  this  point,  I  have  no  doubt  but 
you  will  study  to  forward  in  every  manner  the  solution  which 
corresponds  to  your  wishes.  For  your  letter  proves  that  you 
have  this  cause  so  much  at  heart,  that  you  have  thence  con- 
ceived such  assured  hope  of  success  as  will  impel  you  to  leave 
no  means  unessayed.  I  have  thus  no  occasion  to  spur  on  by 
my  exhortations  one  who  is  already  at  full  speed.  On  my 
side  I  shall  not  desist  from  pursuing  my  course  of  action  here, 
so  that  you  may  know  that  life  itself  is  not  dearer  to  me  than 
the  holy  bond  to  which  is  annexed  the  public  welfare  of  our 
city.     You  readily  guess  the  cause  which  heretofore  occasioned 


252  JOHN   CLATJBTJRGER.  [1556. 

my  delay  in  addressing  myself  to  you,  I  was  cut  off  from  all 
access  to  you.  For  to  my  other  vexations  was  added  that 
crowning  sorrow  which  afflicted  me  more  than  was  proper. 
I  had  heard  not  only  that  I  was  an  object  of  suspicion  to  you, 
but  that  certain  offensive  expressions  had  dropped  from  you 
indicating,  in  a  manner  not  to  be  mistaken,  your  dislike  of 
me.  These  I  shall  not  repeat,  that  I  may  not  give  you  pain 
while  I  am  congratulating  you.  Farewell,  distinguished  sir 
and  honoured  brother.  May  the  Lord  always  stand  by  you, 
direct  you  by  his  Spirit,  and  support  you  by  his  strength. 
— Yours, 

John  Calvin, 

As  you  know  what  dangers  evil  disposed  persons  have  en- 
deavoured to  create  for  me,  it  will  be  the  duty  of  your  wis- 
dom and  justice,  to  tear  to  pieces  these  sheets  by  which  I 
have  freely  poured  into  your  bosom,  as  you  see,  my  inmost 
thoughts. 

[Lat.  orig. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 


CCCCXXVIIL— To  John  Clatjburger. 

Marks  of  sympathy  on  the  occasion  of  a  family  mourning — attempts  to  bring  back 
peace  to  the  bosom  of  the  French  Church  of  Frankfort. 

Geneva,  28*7/  February  1556. 

Although,  distinguished  sir,  the  grief  which  I  had  felt  for 
the  death  of  that  most  worthy  and  accomplished  man,  M. 
Adolph  Clauburger,1  was  renewed  by  the  receipt  of  your  let- 
ter, it  nevertheless  could  not  but  be  very  dear  and  pleas- 
ing to  me,  on  account  of  the  affection  which  it  everywhere 
breathes  for  me.  He  was  snatched  from  us,  if  it  were  allowed 
us  to  frame  our  judgments  according  to  our  desires,  not  very 
seasonably;  but  because  we  must  abide  by  the  judgment  of 
God,  having  finished  the  allotted  course  of  his  life,  he  has 
been  received  into  the  blessed  haven  where  in  peace  he  awaits 

1  See  page  182,  note  1. 


1556.]  JOHN  CLAUBURGER.  253 

our  arrival.  He  was  taken  away  by  divine  appointment,  lest 
malice  should  change  his  heart;  a  sentiment  this,  taken  from 
Jesus  the  son  of  Sirach,  and  applied  by  that  preacher  of 
yours  to  the  person  of  M.  Adolph.  I  certainly  confess,  that 
God  best  consults  for  the  welfare  of  those  whom  he  delivers 
from  the  numerous  and  terrible  corruptions  that,  in  our  days, 
prevail  every  where  over  the  world.  But  to  attribute  as  a 
fault  to  your  kinsman  what  was  worthy  of  the  highest  praise, 
is  a  proof  of  a  malignant  and  perverse  disposition.  I  say 
nothing  of  his  ingratitude,  nor  that  he  blushed  not  to  detract 
from  a  man  after  his  death,  whom  he  had  felt  himself  obliged 
to  caress  when  alive,  influenced  most  certainly  by  the  merce- 
nary motives  of  numerous  favours.  But  what  can  you  do 
with  the  frowardness  of  such  people,  who  make  it  heretical 
to  differ  ever  so  little  from  their  whimsical  reveries?  How 
should  such  people  spare  men  who,  in  their  wanton  arrogance, 
no  less  trample  under  foot  the  sincere  doctrine  of  piety  which 
their  crabbed  snappishness  rejects.  Though,  most  excellent 
sir,  this  indignity,  from  your  spirit  of  moderation,  was  en- 
dured by  you  in  silence;  yet  the  smart  of  a  private  wrong 
reminds  you  that  remedies  should  be  applied  in  time  to  re- 
strain that  violence.  I  myself  having  found,  as  I  thought,  a 
fitting  occasion,  have  begged  by  letter  your  illustrious  senate 
to  provide  against  these  intestine  divisions.  And  though  my 
arrival  among  you  might  not  be  perhaps  without  its  utility, 
and  the  French  refugees  desire  it,  yet  as  it  would  be  absurd  in 
me  to  interfere  officiously,  I  have  modestly  declared,  that  the 
journey  would  be  neither  burdensome  nor  disagreeable  to  me, 
provided  only  some  of  your  preachers  who  are  offended  with 
my  doctrines,  would  admit  me  to  a  quiet  conference.  For  I 
do  not  want  reasons  with  which  I  would  endeavour,  as  far  as 
it  might  be  in  my  power,  and  the  defence  of  the  truth  per- 
mitted, to  appease  them  ;  but  you,  most  distinguished  sir,  in 
your  wisdom  will  determine  what  may  be  useful  to  be  done, 
and  you  will  direct  the  whole  proceedings.  Meanwhile,  I 
shall  not  cease  to  exhort,  as  I  have  done,  the  men  that 
speak  my  mother  tongue,  to  cultivate  peace  with  one 
another.     If  any  of  them  be  stiff-necked,  I  will  admonish 


254        THE  MINISTERS  OF  TIIE  CHURCH  OF  FRANKFORT.    [1556. 

them  not  to  rend  one  another  with  their  perverse  dissensions. 
For  among  your  virtues  I  with  justice  honour  this  one;  that 
hitherto  you  have  been  indulgent  to  many  faults  Avhich  might 
have  alienated  your  mind  from  our  people.  If  it  were  neces- 
sary to  add  to  your  intentions  to  persevere,  I  should  not  de- 
cline the  task.  But  when  I  reflect  in  my  own  mind  what 
you  are  doing,  and  see  you  spontaneously  anticipating  my 
wishes,  and  testifying  your  paternal  anxiety,  lest  any  thing 
should  fall  out  differently  from  what  we  could  wish,  I  am  pre- 
vented by  shame  from  asking  any  thing  of  you.  Only  Christ 
is  to  be  asked,  that  in  order  to  suffer  patiently  these  mortifi- 
cations, he  would  give  us  the  stay  of  invincible  fortitude  and 
constancy,  and  raise  up  such  protectors  as  you  for  his  pious 
exiles.  In  what  concerns  myself  individually,  it  is  to  me 
exceedingly  grateful,  that  you  still  preserve  the  recollection 
of  our  ancient  intercourse.  I  in  my  turn  will  study  by  all 
the  good  offices  in  my  power  to  correspond  to  your  kind- 
heartedness  to  me.  Farewell,  most  distinguished  and  honour- 
able sir.  May  the  Lord  always  bless  you  and  protect  you 
and  your  family. 

[Calvin's  Lai.  Corresp.    Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  108.] 


CCCCXXIX.  —  To   the  Ministers  of  the  Church  of 
Frankfort.1 

He  testifies  the  desire  of  maintaining  with  them  fraternal  relations,  and  invokes  their 
protection  in  favour  of  the  French  Church  established  in  their  city. 

Geneva,  2d  March  1556. 

Though  I  have,  not  only  no  intimate  connection,  but  not 
even  a  slight  acquaintance  with  you,  reverend  and  beloved 

1  The  ministers  of  Frankfort,  rigid  partisans  of  the  Lutheran  doctrine,  had  seen 
■with  a  certain  distrust,  the  establishment  in  their  city  of  a  church  of  refugees,  who 
on  several  points  of  secondary  importance,  professed  maxims  opposed  to  the  received 
symbols.  Their  distrust  extended  to  Calvin  himself,  who,  in  a  journey  undertaken 
some  months  afterwards,  could  not  obtain  from  them  at  Frankfort  a  fraternal  confi- 
dence, and  saw  all  his  projects  of  conciliation  fail  before  the  secret  opposition  of  the 
clergy,  who  did  not  hesitate  to  style  diabolical,  the  faith  of  the  churches  of  Switzer- 


1556.]    THE  MINISTERS  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  FRANKFORT.        255 

brethren,  to  procure  a  favourable  reception  for  my  letter,  never- 
theless the  fraternal  union  which  from  the  rights  of  our  common 
ministry  ought  to  subsist  between  us,  has  appeared  to  me  a  suf- 
ficient motive,  why  in  writing  to  you,  I  should  confidently  ex- 
pect to  find  an  open  door  and  a  courteous  welcome,  such  as  is 
to  be  wished  for  from  your  good  natured  indulgence.  When 
not  long  ago  my  Harmony  to  the  three  Evangelists  was  pub- 
lished, and  inscribed  with  the  name  of  your  most  illustrious 
senate,  I  know  nothing  but  bashfulness  that  prevented  me 
from  writing  to  you.  For  I  am  scarcely  ever,  except  when 
compelled  by  necessity,  in  the  habit  of  writing  to  unknown 
persons.  And  I  call  unknown,  lest  the  bluntness  of  the  ex- 
pression should  offend  any  of  you,  all  those  with  whom  I  am 
not  on  terms  of  intimacy.  I  solemnly  affirm,  that  most  cer- 
tainly you  were  not  passed  over  from  contempt  or  neglect. 
But  when  the  booksellers  returned  from  the  fair,  I  was  sur- 
prised, I  confess,  that  a  book  not  less  silly  than  virulent,  of 
one  Joachim  Westphal,  impugning  my  doctrine  respecting 
the  sacraments,  had  been  published  in  your  city.  For  I  was 
persuaded  that  we  perfectly  agreed  in  our  opinions,  or  if  our 
manner  of  teaching  was  not  altogether  the  same,  there  was  no 
such  discordance  as  could  break  out  into  an  odious  contention. 
It  is  possible  indeed,  that  the  book  in  question  came  out  with- 
out your  having  any  knowledge  of  it,  as  certainly  I  do  not 
think  that  it  met  with  the  approbation  of  3-our  suffrages.  Nor 
do  I  mention  this  circumstance  for  the  sake  of  expostulating 
with  you,  but  because  at  the  same  time  a  report  was  conveyed 
to  me,  that  the  doctrine  which  I  lay  down  respecting  the 
sacraments,  displeases  some  persons  of  your  society,  I  have 
thought  proper  then  to  anticipate  their  remarks,  lest  I  should 
cherish  by  my  silence  or  dissimulation  auy  grounds  for  dis- 
sension. Certainly  though  I  do  not  willingly  obtrude,  yet  if 
auy  of  you  is  offended  by  my  doctrine,  no  means  of  satisfy- 
ing him  shall  be  neglected  by  me.  And  if  to  remove  offences, 
it  might  be  useful  that  I  should  undertake  a  journey  to  your 


land  and  France.     See  the  curious  letters  of  Valeran  Poulain  to  Calvin  (years  1555, 
1556.)      Library  of  Genera,  vol.  112. 


256        THE  MINISTERS  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  FRANKFORT.    [1556. 

city,  though  the  road  is  long  and  fatiguing,  I  will  refuse  no 
trouble  which  it  will  cost  me.  For  not  only  I  think  that  it 
is  incumbent  on  me  to  promote  this  desire  of  a  holy  concord 
between  us,  but  also  because  your  most  illustrious  senate  ac- 
cepted, with  the  greatest  politeness,  the  dedication  of  the  Har- 
mony which  I  had  offered  to  them,  and  testified  by  a  letter 
that  my  courtesy  was  gratifying  and  agreeable  to  them ;  they 
thus  so  bound  me  to  them,  that  I  conceive  they  are  entitled 
for  their  merits  to  require  this  service  at  my  hands.  Nor  do 
I  labour  so  much  for  my  own  sake,  as  that  you  should  em- 
brace with  sincere  affection  the  foreign  brethren,  to  whom  the 
Lord  has  granted  an  asylum  in  your  city.  For  I  hear  that 
they  dread  I  know  not  what  bickerings  and  contention  which 
may  trouble  their  repose.  Moreover  as  you  are  aware  that 
some  of  them,  expelled  by  the  violence  and  tyranny  of  the 
enemies  of  Christ,  have  wandered  to  your  city,  that  others,  in 
order  to  profess  along  with  you  the  pure  faith  of  Christ,  have 
imposed  on  themselves  a  voluntary  exile;  how  much  the 
wretched  condition  of  the  one  party,  and  the  prompt  obedi- 
ence to  follow  Christ  of  the  other,  ought  to  conciliate  your 
favour,  it  is  superfluous  for  me  to  enlarge  upon.  Nay,  what 
is  more,  if  you  perceive  any  little  imperfections  in  them,  as  it 
is  very  probable  that  they  may  chance  to  labour  under  their  own 
peculiar  defects,  you  should  yet  shew  them  a  certain  degree  of 
forbearance  and  indulgence.  Eather  however  than  that  what 
has  been  hitherto  a  secret  heart-burning,  should  break  out 
into  an  open  strife,  I  am  prepared  to  undertake  any  task  you 
shall  please  to  impose  on  me.  Certainly  I  shall  always  faith- 
fully exhort  and  aid  both  parties  to  come  to  a  reconciliation. 
Farewell,  dearest,  and  sincerely  respected  brethren.  May  the 
Lord  govern  you  by  the  spirit  of  prudence,  fortitude,  and 
gentleness,  and  bless  all  your  labours.  Amen. 
[Calvin's  Lat.  Corresp.    Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  109.] 


1556.]  THE   FRENCH   CHURCH   OF   FRANKFORT.  257 


CCCCXXX.— To  the  French  Church  of  Frankfort.1 

He  exhorts  the  members  of  this  church  to  make  to  one  another  mutual  concessions, 
and  announces  to  them  a  new  minister. 

Geneva,  Zd  March  1556. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  be  always  upon  you,  by  the  communication  of 
the  Holy  Spirit. 

Beloved  and  honoured  Brethren,— I  praise  God  be- 
cause he  has  hitherto  restrained  Satan,  so  that  the  troubles 
which  he  has  stirred  up  among  you  have  not  entirely  ruined 
you  nor  scattered  the  poor  church,  as  there  seemed  but  too 
much  reason  to  fear.  I  trust  that  as  He  has  begun  to  remedy 
the  danger,  he  will  bring  all  things  to  a  prosperous  issue.  I 
most  ardently  desire  it  were  in  my  power  to  busy  myself 
more  actively  in  your  interest.  As  it  is,  I  shall  not  fail  to 
acquit  myself  of  my  duty,  as  much  as  my  abilities,  and  the 
means  afforded  me,  will  permit. 

I  am  much  surprised  that  there  should  be  among  you,  peo- 
ple so  difficult  to  be  satisfied,  who  wish  ever  to  set  up  their 
own  conceits,  instead  of  following  the  rule  which  is  enjoined 
us  of  conforming  to  one  another.  I  do  not  enquire  who  are 
most  capable  in  your  church  of  having  the  direction  of  the 
whole  body.  I  take  it  for  granted  that  those  who  have  been 
reputed  such,  have  been  elected  by  a  majority  of  the  people. 
But  admitting  that  there  was  a  small  number  of  persons  able 
to  judge  better  than  the  rest,  assuredly  it  is  the  height  of  pre- 
sumption on  their  part,  to  wish  to  annul  and  set  aside  an  elec- 
tion on  pretext  that  it  is  not  to  their  liking,  or  because,  as 

1  After  the  death  of  Richard  Vauville,  two  parties  had  been  formed  in  the  bosom 
of  the  French  congregation  of  Frankfort.  One,  assigning  for  their  reason  that  Valeran 
Poulain  had  not  been  regularly  elected,  asked  that  this  minister  should  be  set  aside, 
the  other  demanded  that  he  should  be  retained.  The  two  opposite  parties  seemed  to 
agree  for  the  choice  of  a  second  pastor,  Francis  Perucel.  But  this  minister  having 
refused,  they  elected  instead  of  him,  William  Olbrac,  minister  of  the  Church  of  Ge- 
neva. MSS.  divers  de  l'Eglise  de  Frankfort.  Documents  Lutheriem,  torn.  n.  ptuunm. 
33 


258  THE   FRENCH   CHURCH   OF   FRANKFORT.  [1556. 

they  conceive,  people  had  not  acted  with  due  deliberation,  or 
even  that  there  may  have  been  some  informality  in  the  pro- 
ceedings, for  affairs  are  never  conducted  with  such  perfection 
as  to  leave  nothing  to  be  desired.  For  the  rest,  if  some  per- 
sons impelled  by  a  zeal  not  tempered  by  moderation,  but 
mixed  up  with  too  violent  passions,  have  stickled  more  keenly 
than  was  needful,  these  it  will  be  your  duty  to  bring  to  reason 
with  all  meekness  and  humanity.  And  to  that  end  you  will 
forget  what  has  been  said  or  done  inconsiderately,  in  the  heat 
of  the  contentions  which  have  agitated  your  church  ;  to  which 
proceeding  I  doubt  not  but  you  are  inclined,  which  is  the 
reason  why  I  dispense  with  exhorting  }'ou  at  greater  length. 
For  you  know  the  rule  which  the  Holy  Spirit  lays  down  to 
reconcile  us  to  one  another.  It  is  that  each  should  yield  and 
give  up  his  right,  that  we  should  seek  rather  to  edify  our 
neighbour  in  his  eternal  interests,  than  consult  our  own  selfish 
desires.  And  this  I  hope  you  study  to  do,  as  indeed  you  are 
in  duty  bound.  Considering  into  what  confusion  things  have 
been  thrown,  we  must  pardon  a  great  deal. 

In  answer  to  your  letter,  requiring  a  successor  to  our  ex- 
cellent brother,  Master  Eichard,  I  may  mention  that  though 
we  have  here  some  learned  men,  who  wish  to  serve  God  and 
who  have  walked  with  such  uprightness  among  us,  that  I  can 
bear  witness  to  their  worth ;  nevertheless,  as  formerly  your 
church  desired  to  have  our  brother,  Master  "William  Olbrac, 
and  as  I  know  him  to  be  a  man  well  versed  in  the  scripture, 
of  proper  zeal  and  straightforwardness,  and  so  moderate  and 
peaceable,  that  I  should  esteem  him  suited  for  this  place,  if 
you  can  contrive  to  wait  two  months  longer,  my  choice  would 
fall  on  him  rather  than  on  another.  Should  he  be  prevented 
from  complying  with  your  desires,  in  consequence  of  the 
obstacle  which  the  bearer  will  tell  you  of,  I  shall  write  to  you 
most  willingly  of  those  that  we  can  present  to  you,  in  order 
that  you  may  deliberate.  I  am  aware  how  heavy  the  burden 
must  be  for  our  brother,  Master  Valeran,  and  therefore  I 
could  have  wished  we  had  provided  for  )?our  necessity  forth- 
with; but  you  see  the  motive  of  the  delay,  which  will  be  my 
apology  till  I  have  again  learned  what  are  your  intentions. 


1556.]  YIRET   AND   BEZA.  259 

Whereupon,  in  conclusion,  having  commended  me  to  your 
fervent  prayers,  I  supplicate  our  heavenly  Father,  to  have 
you  in  his  holy  keeping,  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  and  in- 
crease you  in  all  good.  My  brethren  and  companions  greet 
you. 

[Fr.  copy.— Imperial  Library,  Coll.  Dupuy.     Vol.  102.] 


CCCCXXXL— To  Viret  AXD  Beza. 

Call  of  a  minister  to  Paris — counsels  addressed  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Pays  de  Vaud 
— mention  of  Ochino. 

Geneva,  10th  April  1556. 

Of  our  most  excellent  brother  Morel,  this  is  my  opinion,  that 
he  ought  not  to  be  detained  any  longer  in  a  place  where  many 
vexations  torment  him  with  little  or  no  advantage,1  where 
every  day  contests  await  him  without  any  corresponding  re- 
ward, though  he  seems  to  have  discharged  his  functions  as  well 
as  it  was  possible  to  do.  For  he  has  constantly  attempted  with 
unwearied  patience  whatever  could  be  demanded  of  a  servant 
of  God.  I  wish  he  were  here  to  exempt  us  from  the  trouble 
of  deliberating.  For  beyond  our  expectations  it  has  happened 
that  the  assistant  teacher  remains  in  his  post.  For  though 
the  probity  of  the  man  is  well  known  to  us,  yet  we  had  to 
apprehend  something  from  calumny  if  he  had  been  admitted. 
He  would  be  most  useful,  as  you  say,  at  Paris.  Certainly  if, 
out  of  a  great  number,  the  option  were  given  them,  I  see  none 
of  those  who  are  disengaged  better  fitted.  The  brethren  of 
Frankfort,  if  they  understood  that  he  could  be  detached  from 
thence,  will  with  very  good  reason  desire  to  have  him.  But 
before  any  decision  has  been  come  to  respecting  him,  it  will 
be  advantageous  that  some  person  of  moderate  abilities  be 
substituted  in  his  room,  lest  Satan  should  occupy  the  place 
which  has  been  deserted.     Etienne  lately  wrote  to  me  that  our 

1  Francis  de  Morel  exercised  the  ministry  in  the  valley  of  Sainte  Marie  aux  Mines, 
near  Montbelliard,  before  being  called  to  Paris.  Haag,  France  Proteetante,  torn.  viii. 
p.  500. 


260  VI RET   AND    BEZA.  [1556. 

brethren  of  the  Alps,  because  they  had  learned  that  violence 
was  being  prepared  against  them,  were  getting  themselves 
ready  to  oppose  force  by  force.1  "Whence  will  arise  a  new 
necessity.  As  soon  as  I  can  find  the  opportunity  of  a  messen- 
ger, I  will  endeavour  to  appease  their  minds.  But  they  have 
resolved  to  try  every  thing  rather  than  surrender  themselves 
to  another.  To  fly  into  the  mountains,  however,  they  think 
to  be  absurd,  whence  hunger  would  soon  force  them.  I  con- 
gratulate the  Bernese  on  having  formed  so  correct  an  estimate 
of  Ochino,  and  I  trust  that  the  Zurichers,  taking  the  hint  from 
them,  will  abate  something  of  their  indulgence.2  I,  in  the 
mean  time,  as  you  advise,  will  hold  my  tongue.  I  wish  that 
our  deputies  would  at  length  accomplish  something.  The 
Lord  must  be  entreated  to  remove  all  difficulties.  A  headache, 
arising  from  a  catarrh,  forces  me  to  break  off  my  letter  ab- 
ruptly. Farewell,  my  most  excellent  and  upright  brethren. 
Because  there  was  no  messenger  about  to  set  out  to  Farel,  let 
him  know  on  the  earliest  occasion  what  I  have  written  about 
Etienne.  May  the  Lord  ever  preserve,  direct,  and  support 
you. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lot.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 

1  The  year  1556  saw  redoubled  the  cruel  persecutions  so  long  exercised  against  the 
Waldenses  of  Piedmont,  and  to  which  they  only  replied  by  the  patience  and  self-devo- 
tion of  the  Apostolic  martyrs  :  "At  this  period,"  says  the  historian  of  the  valleys  of 
the  Waldenses,  "there  is  not  a  rock  which  is  not  a  monument  of  death,  not  a  meadow 
which  has  not  been  witness  to  an  execution,  not  a  village  which  has  not  had  its 
martyrs."  Muston,  Histoire  des  Yaudois,  torn.  i.  p.  199,  and  the  following.  See  like- 
wise Gilles,  Perrin,  Leger,  ann.  1555,  1556. 

*  Ochino  had  become  the  year  before  the  pastor  of  the  Italian  church  of  Zurich,  and 
had  received,  in  that  capacity,  the  congratulations  of  Cnlvin,  who  only  withdrew  from 
him  his  confidence  when  he  saw  him  more  and  more  engaged  in  the  party  of  the 
Antitrinitarians.  See  a  curious  letter  of  Ochino  to  Calvin,  which  terminates  with  the 
following  words:  "May  He  who  has  called  me,  grant  that  I  never  deceive  your  ex- 
pectation and  that  of  many."     (Library  of  Geneva,  vol.  116.) 


1556.]  THE   CHURCH   OF   ANGERS.  261 


CCCCXXXII.— To  the  Church  of  Angers.1 

Counsels  and  exhortations  to  the  persecuted  Brethren  of  this  church. 

19^  April  1556. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  be  always  upon  you,  by  the  communication  of  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

Beloved  Brethren, — When  a  messenger  passed  not  long 
ago  through  here,  though  from  sympathy  I  felt  in  what  an- 
guish you  must  be,  and  desired,  as  if  I  had  been  one  of  your- 
selves, to  find  out  some  proper  remedy  for  your  afflictions  and 
misfortunes;  nevertheless,  clearly  perceiving  that  the  means 
which  had  been  pointed  out  to  you  were  frivolous,  I  declared 
to  him  frankly  that  it  was  a  waste  both  of  time  and  money  to 
amuse  yourselves  with  them.  I  see  indeed  though  he  pre- 
tended to  follow  my  advice,  that  his  courage  led  him  in  a 
quite  opposite  direction.  And  since  then,  as  I  have  heard,  the 
effect  has  demonstrated  that  he  had  concluded  in  his  head  to 
do  what  I  had  shewn  to  be  altogether  foolish  and  unreasonable. 

Now  I  entreat  you,  when  I  do  not  approve  of  such  enter- 
prises, not  to  suppose  that  I  do  not  feel  that  deep  solicitude 

1  A  letter  without  any  superscription,  addressed,  as  every  thing  leads  us  to  believe, 
to  the  brethren  of  Anjou,  during  the  cruel  persecution  which  arose  in  this  province, 
in  the  year  1556,  and  which  excited  great  troubles  in  the  whole  country.  Informed 
of  these  movements,  Calvin  wrote  to  Mercer:  "Among  the  inhabitants  of  Poitou  and 
Anjou,  great  troubles  have  been  excited  for  the  sake  of  religion.  A  great  number  of 
men,  struck  with  fear,  fly  in  all  directions.  I  am  anxious  about  the  unfortunate  bre- 
thren." Letter  of  the  2lst  June  1556.  Among  the  victims  of  this  persecution  which 
had  nearly  provoked  a  civil  war  in  Anjou,  were  reckoned  the  two  ministers,  John 
Rabec  and  Peter  de  Rousseau,  burnt  at  Angers  2ith  April  and  the  22nd  May  of  the 
same  year  ;  Beza,  Hist.  Eccl.,  torn.  i.  p.  108,  and  Hist,  des  Martyrs,  p.  377,  378.  It  is 
to  these  two  ministers,  formed  in  the  schools  of  Lausanne  and  Geneva,  that  Calvin  par- 
ticularly addresses  himself  in  the  end  of  his  letter.  "  Our  dear  brethren,  Master 
William  Farel  and  Master  Peter  Viret,  had  each  purposed  to  write  to  you,  but  since 
they  have  not  arrived  in  time,  you  will  consider  the  present  as  the  joint  production  of 
us  three,  and  also  of  my  brethren  and  companions,  who  send  you  their  greeting." 
John  Rabec  was  no  longer  alive  when  this  letter  reached  the  church  of  Angers  ;  but 
the  voice  of  the  Reformer  no  doubt  fortified  Peter  de  Rousseau  for  his  last  combat, 
and  it  inspired  the  indignant  population  of  Anjou  with  calm  and  submission. 


262  THE    CHURCH    OF   ANGERS.  [1556. 

for  you  that  I  ought.  But  the  friendship  which  I  entertain 
for  you,  requires  that  I  should  not  deceive  you.  At  present  I  am 
in  still  greater  trouble  and  anxiety  on  account  of  the  threats 
that  are  addressed  to  you,  and  the  prospect  which  is  abundantly 
evident  of  a  greater  persecution  than  you  have  experienced 
since  a  long  time.  Be  assured  in  truth  many  of  your  worthy 
brethren  are  in  like  anxiety  on  your  account.  We  can  only 
groan  in  prayer  to  God  that  he  would  be  graciously  pleased 
to  preserve  you,  by  the  hand  of  that  good  and  faithful  Shepherd 
to  whose  keeping  he  has  entrusted  you.  You  must  long  have 
premeditated  on  the  precariousness  of  your  situation  there  in 
the  jaws,  as  it  were,  of  the  wolf,  and  how  you  have  neither 
security  nor  repose  save  what  respite  God  may  be  pleased  to 
give  you  from  day  to  day.  If,  after  having  given  you  his 
support  for  some  time,  it  should  please  him  to  give  loose  to 
your  enemies,  you  have  to  pray  him  for  two  things:  that  you 
be  not  tempted  beyond  your  power,  and  that  in  the  mean  time 
he  should  fortify  you  with  such  courage  that  you  be  not  so 
dismayed  by  whatever  may  happen  to  you  as  to  fall  away 
from  him.  We  ought  to  be  all  thoroughly  convinced  that  our 
life  is  dear  and  precious  to  him,  and  that  he  will  be  our  pro- 
tector in  all  assaults.  But  this  is  not  to  exempt  us  from  per- 
secutions, by  which  it  is  his  will  to  put  to  the  proof,  the 
patience  of  all  his  children.  Or  rather,  as  St.  Paul  remarks, 
the  condition  to  which  we  are  foreordained  is  to  pass  by  such 
a  trial.  Wherefore,  strive  to  strengthen  yourselves  and  put 
in  practice,  in  time  of  need,  that  which  you  learned  in  the 
Scriptures,  and  of  which  you  are  daily  put  in  mind.  For  if 
we  know  not  what  it  is  to  do  battle,  what  kind  of  crown  can 
we  expect?  Now  the  manner  in  which  we  are  to  maintain 
the  fight,  has  been  shewn  us  by  the  Son  of  God,  viz.,  in  patience 
to  possess  our  souls.  This  is  a  hard  thing  for  our  frailty,  but 
since  he  has  promised  to  give  a  courage  not  to  be  overcome 
to  those  who  shall  ask  him  for  it,  let  us  study  to  submit  to  his 
doctrine,  rather  than  by  gainsaying  to  seek  for  vain  subter- 
fuges. I  do  not  say  that  you  are  not  to  be  moved  when  you 
hear  of  what  is  now  being  devised  against  you,  provided  always 
it  do  not  make  you  lose  courage,  so  as  to  abandon  the  confes- 


1556.]  THE   CHURCH   OF   ANGERS.  263 

sion  of  your  faith  by  backsliding,  but  rather  that  it  stir  you 
up  to  pray  to  God,  and  at  the  same  time  awaken  your  zeal  to 
maintain  his  truth  as  our  duty  requires,  when  he  calls  on  us 
so  to  do. 

For  the  rest,  I  have  heard  that  several  of  you  deliberate 
whether,  if  an  attempt  is  made  to  outrage  them,  they  shall  not 
resist  such  violence,  rather  than  allow  themselves  to  be  hunted 
down  by  ruffians.  I  entreat  you,  beloved  brethren,  to  abandon 
such  designs  which  will  never  obtain  the  blessing  of  God,  so 
as  to  come  to  a  happy  issue,  for  he  does  not  approve  of  them. 
I  very  well  perceive  what  perplexity  distracts  you,  but  it  be- 
longs not  to  me  nor  to  any  living  creature  to  grant  you  a  dis- 
pensation, to  act  in  opposition  to  the  command  of  God.  When 
in  your  affliction  you  shall  have  nothing  which  you  can  per- 
form except  your  duty,  this  consolation  will  not  fail  you,  that 
God  shall  look  on  you  with  compassion,  and  come  to  your  aid 
in  some  manner  or  other.  But  if  you  attempt  more  than  you 
are  warranted  to  do,  not  only  shall  your  expectations  be  frus- 
trated, but  you  shall  have  the  bitter  remorse  of  feeling  that 
God  is  against  you,  and  so  much  the  more  because  by  your  rash- 
ness you  have  overstepped  the  limits  prescribed  by  his  word. 
Call  to  mind  then  this  maxim :  Whatever  reposes  not  on 
faith  is  sin,  and  if  that  is  true  in  regard  to  eating  and  drinking, 
what  must  it  be  in  an  act  of  higher  importance?  If  you  are 
tormented  by  the  unrighteous  fcfr  having  heard  the  word  of 
God,  withdrawn  yourselves  from  idolatries,  and  confessed  that 
you  cleave  to  the  gospel  of  Christ,  at  least  you  shall  always 
have  this  to  support  you,  that  you  suffer  for  a  righteous  cause, 
and  one  in  which  God  has  promised  that  he  will  stand  by  you. 
But  he  has  not  armed  you  to  resist  those  who  are  established 
by  him  to  govern.  Thus  you  cannot  expect  that  he  will  pro- 
tect you,  if  you  undertake  what  he  disavows.  What  then  re- 
mains to  be  done?  I  see  no  other  resource  but  this,  that 
laying  aside  all  thoughts  of  your  afflictions,  and  commending 
your  lives  into  the  hands  of  Him  who  has  promised  to  be  the 
guardian  of  them,  you  calmly  wait  for  the  counsel  he  shall 
give  you,  and  doubt  not  but  he  will  open  up  such  a  way  of 
escape  as  he  shall  see  most  proper  for  your  deliverance.     I  see 


26-i  THE   CHURCH   OF   ANGERS.  [1556. 

clearly  however,  in  what  an  extremity  you  are  placed,  but 
even  should  you  be  obliged  to  resist,  striving  unto  blood,  think 
of  the  value  of  that  heavenly  life  which  is  in  store  for  us,  on 
condition  that  we  pass  through  this  world,  as  if  we  quitted  a 
strange  country  in  order  to  arrive  at  our  true  inheritance. 
Think  also  that  we  have  no  excuse  for  refusing  to  suffer  for 
Him  who  died  and  rose  again,  in  order  that  we  should  dedicate 
our  lives  as  a  sacrifice  to  him.  And  though  the  world  not 
only  derides  our  simplicity,  but  detests  our  persons,  let  it 
content  us  that  it  is  a  service  above  all  agreeable  to  God,  to 
bear  witness  to  the  truth  of  his  gospel.  In  a  word,  since  the 
Lord  Jesus  is  the  pattern  to  which  we  should  conform  our- 
selves, take  heed  to  model  yourselves  entirely  on  him. 

Our  dear  brethren,  Master  William  Farel  and  Master  Peter 
Viret,  had  purposed  each  to  write  to  you.  But  since  they 
have  not  arrived  in  time,  you  will  consider  the  present  as  the 
joint  production  of  us  three,  and  also  of  my  brethren  and 
companions,  who  send  you  their  greeting.  On  my  own  part, 
I  assure  you,  that  when  they  shall  have  an  opportunity  they 
will  confirm  every  thing  which  I  have  written  to  you. 

Whereupon,  beloved  brethren,  having  commended  myself 
to  your  fervent  prayers,  I  supplicate  our  heavenly  Father  to 
be  to  you  as  a  fortress  and  rampart  against  all  your  enemies, 
to  support  you  in  the  midst  of  their  fury,  in  the  mean  time  to 
govern  you  by  his  Holy  Spirrt  in  upright  wisdom  and  charity, 
so  that,  in  despite  of  Satan  and  his  agents,  his  name  may  be 
glorified  in  you  to  the  end. 

[Ft:  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.     Yol.  107.] 


1556.]  JOHN  LASKI.  265 


CCCCXXXIIL— To  John  Laski.1 

Expresses  a  wish  for  the  assembling  of  a  conference,  and  the  pacification  of  the 
churches— judgment  about  Vergerio—  progress  of  the  gospel  in  Poland. 

Geneva,  April  1556. 

I  knew  some  time  ago,  and  I  learned  also  from  the  letters 
of  certain  persons,  that  you  had  been  at  Spires,  venerable 
brother,  making  some  attempts  to  obtain  a  conference.  But 
because  neither  from  you  nor  any  one  else  have  I  received 
one  word  respecting  your  success,  I  conjecture  from  that 
silence,  that  nothing  has  been  concluded ;  and  indeed  that  is 
what  I  always  feared.  For  in  the  direction  of  religious  busi- 
ness the  lukewarmness  and  procrastination  of  the  princes  is 
well  known,  and  as  they  generally  depend  on  the  advice  of 
others,  it  is  evident  that  they  are  swayed  by  those  who  for 
the  most  part  are  not  very  well  inclined  to  us.  The  furious 
perversity  of  the  adverse  party  causes  all  persons  to  shrink 
from  an  amicable  adjustment,  as  if  it  were  something  detest- 
able. Nothing  however  gave  me  greater  dissatisfaction  than 
your  mixing  yourself  up  with  the  designs  of  Vergerio,  whose 
vanity  I  am  surprised  you  were  not  sooner  acquainted  with.2 
Certainly  whatever  he  attempts  is  suspicious.     But  if  the  af- 

1  Without  a  date,  April  1556.  Before  returning  to  Poland  his  native  country,  La;ki 
displayed  the  greatest  activity  in  re-establishing  ecclesiastical  peace  and  concord  in 
Germany.  But  his  efforts  produced  no  results.  In  a  letter  addressed  to  Calvin,  19th 
September  1555,  looking  back  on  the  vicissitudes  of  his  life  which  was  destined  to 
come  to  a  close  a  few  years  afterwards  in  Poland,  he  expressed  himself  thus  :  "  In 
respect  to  the  vicissitudes  of  my  life,  these  indeed  are  not  so  vexatious  as  to  prevent 
me  from  reaping  great  consolation  from  them,  especially  when  I  see  that  by  the  di- 
vine blessing  they  have  not  been  unfruitful.  The  inconveniences  of  my  health  I 
reckon  among  my  advantages,  even  should  the  flesh  protest,  as  indeed  I  see  that  I  am 
not  far  from  the  haven  after  which  we  all  sigh."     (Library  of  Geneva,  Vol.  112.) 

3  Brought  up  in  the  pomp  and  effeminacy  of  the  Romish  episcopacy,  Vergerio  had 
abandoned  his  humble  parish  of  Vico-Soprano  in  the  Valteline,  in  order  to  frequent 
the  courts  of  the  German  princes,  and  take  an  active  part  in  the  negotiations  destined 
to  cause  the  formulary  of  Augsbourg  to  be  adopted  in  the  countries  of  the  Reformed 
doctrine.  For  these  reasons  he  had  become  an  object  of  suspicion  to  the  Swiss  Re- 
formers, and  particularly  to  Calvin,  who  had  at  first  received  him  with  a  hearty  wel- 
come. 

34 


266  JOHN  LASKI.  [1556. 

fair  turn  out  better  than  I  now  think  and  than  my  mind  al- 
ways presaged,  I  have  no  doubt,  however,  but  you  must  have 
experienced,  of  how  little  advantage  the  empty  vanity  of  that 
man  was  to  you.  I  wish  nevertheless  that  I  may  be  a  vain 
prophet,  and  that  I  may  learn  ere  long,  that  you  have  obtained 
whatever  was  to  be  desired.  Though,  if  I  shall  hear  that  you 
have  been  sent  away  merely  with  some  hopes,  this  will  be 
cold  news  for  me.  For  I  shall  suppose  that  a  pretext  for  a 
decent  refusal  was  sought  for  by  the  princes,  who  are  not 
ashamed  to  make  liberal  promises.  If  however,  which  I 
scarcely  think  credible,  they  have  seriously  resolved  to  bestir 
themselves  for  the  pacification  of  the  churches,  we  must  strive 
to  let  them  feel  that  we  are  favourably  disposed  to  every  mea- 
sure of  moderation.  If  I  shall  be  sent  for,  I  have  most  cer- 
tainly decided  to  hurry  thither.  It  will  be  difficult  to  per- 
suade our  brethren  of  Zurich  to  do  the  same  thing,  for  they 
do  not  dissemble  that  they  are  entirely  averse  to  every  kind 
of  conference.  I  knew  some  time  ago  that  this  was  the  state 
of  their  feelings,  but  I  fancied  that  our  universal  agreement 
respecting  an  opposite  line  of  conduct,  as  well  as  the  numer- 
ous reasons  that  had  been  more  than  once  presented  to  them, 
had  made  them  change  their  opinion.  Bullinger,  however,  in 
a  prolix  letter  which  he  lately  wrote  to  me,  laboured  to  prove 
that  the  affair  would  be  in  every  respect  disastrous.  For  here 
is  the  dilemma  he  lays  down  :  If  we  deviate  ever  so  little  from 
the  pure  and  simple  profession  of  our  doctrine  to  curry  favour 
with  the  other  party,  nothing  would  be  more  disgraceful  for 
us,  and  far  more  troubles  would  immediately  spring  up  out 
of  that  concession  ;  but  if  we  defend  freely  and  constantly  the 
doctrine  we  profess,  we  shall  receive  this  very  sorry  recom- 
pense of  our  pains,  to  be  styled  stubborn  and  refractory  zealots. 
And  one  or  other  of  these  alternatives  he  takes  for  granted 
will  be  the  necessary  consequence.  I  on  the  contrary,  though 
I  admit  that  nothing  is  more  pernicious  than  an  obscure  and 
ambiguous  or  equivocal  conciliation,  yet  do  not  despair  but 
that  a  sincere  and  candid  moderation  may  be  hit  upon,  which 
will  be  dear  to  all  honest  men,  and  will  destroy  the  influence 
of  those  hot-headed  individuals,  who  with  their  tumultuous 


1556.]  john  laski.  267 

clamours  disturb  the  peace  of  the  world.  Though  then  the 
Zurichers  are  averse  to  a  conference,  if  an  opportunity  should 
present  itself,  I  will  endeavour  to  draw  them  over  to  us.  And 
certes,  I  do  not  think  they  are  so  untamable  as  to  refuse.  It 
will  be  your  business  in  the  mean  time,  most  accomplished 
sir,  to  be  on  your  guard,  lest  they  should  imagine  that,  carried 
away  by  your  too  great  easiness  of  temper,  you  are  attempt- 
ing any  thing  which  might  from  unfavourable  prejudices  in- 
jure our  cause.  Though,  unless  the  princes  make  haste,  I 
know  not  if  it  will  be  in  your  power  to  wait  any  longer. 
For  if  what  Lismannini  writes  to  me  be  true,  the  Polish  no- 
bility who  have  embraced  the  gospel,  have  decided  three 
months  ago,  that  you  should  be  sent  for.  I  know  that  for- 
merly it  was  not  your  intention  to  repair  thither,  unless  you 
were  expressly  summoned  by  the  king.  I  also  recollect  what 
fear  presented  an  obstacle  to  your  departure.  But  when  I  see 
the  king  willingly  seated  between  two  stools,  and  yet  that  the 
pious  are  making  active  progress  with  his  consent,  I  think 
you  should  by  ho  means  delay  your  departure,  provided  you 
be  summoned ;  but  we  shall  not  know  what  orders  your  mes- 
senger has  brought. 

I  know  not  what  to  say  respecting  the  dissensions  of  the 
French  Church.  If  the  rumour  is  true,  an  implacable  aver- 
sion for  Yaleran  reigns  in  the  hearts  of  many,  of  which  the 
causes  are  unknown  to  me.  Olbrac,  who  will  succeed  to 
Richard,  will  study  with  good  faith  to  heal  all  differences. 
But  if  finally  he  do  not  succeed,  some  other  means  must  be 
adopted,  of  which  I  have  dropped  a  hint  to  Valeran.1 
[Lot.  orig.  Minute. — Library  of  Geneva.  Vol.  107  a.] 
1  The  end  is  wanting. 


268  BULLINGER.  [1556. 


CCCCXXXIV.— To  Bullinger. 

Thanks  for  a  volume  which  he  had  sent  him — the  gospel  in  Austria  and  Bavaria — 

Vergerio. 

Geneva,  22d  April  1556. 

I  received,  venerable  brother,  your  most  delightful  letter, 
and  at  the  same  time  the  refutation  of  Westphal,  for  which  I 
thank  you  from  a  double  motive,  first  on  account  of  your 
labour  publicly  laid  out  for  the  advantage  of  all  the  pious, 
and  next  for  having  honoured  me  with  this  mark  of  your  es- 
teem.' Of  the  league  I  write  nothing,  because  we  are  still  float- 
ing in  doubt,  but  the  result  you  know  from  the  messenger.  I 
wish  it  may  be  of  that  sort  which  will  afford  us  a  common  joy.2 
If  our  neighbours  reject  what  is  now  at  last  offered,  they  will 
no  longer  betray  their  peevishness,  their  haughtiness,  and 
their  contempt  of  us,  but  their  implacable  hatred.  The  Lord 
will  not  suffer  so  great  a  quantity  of  good  seed  as  has  been 
sown  in  Austria  and  Bavaria,  though  it  should  be  choked  for 
a  time,  to  be  utterly  eradicated.  He  shews,  by  inward  signs, 
that  it  is  his  will  to  bring  down  the  ungovernable  contumacy 
of  the  world.  If  he  should  begin  with  us,  we  deserve  to 
receive  his  severest  chastisements.  But  he  is  to  be  entreated, 
that  of  his  fatherly  clemency  he  would  forgive  us.  John 
Laski  flatters  himself  with  the  hopes  of  getting  up  some  con- 
vention, of  which  I  myself  have  no  expectation,  not  only  be- 
cause the  warmth  of  action  often  blinds  men's  minds,  but  be- 
cause Vergerio,  a  shallow  fellow  as  I  perceive,  is  the  principal 
actor  in  the  piece.  If  nevertheless  there  should  be  any  thing 
in  it,  as  soon  as  it  shall  be  announced  to  you,  I  make  no 
doubt  but  you  will  be  prepared.     This  much  at  any  rate,  it 

1  See  Melchior  Adam,  Yitce  Theol.  Germ.  p.  494,  and  Hospinian,  torn,  ii.,  passim. 

a  The  Republic  of  Zurich  was  itself  negociating  at  this  time  an  alliance  with  the 
Catholic  cantons.  The  latter  wished  tbe.oath  of  union  to  be  pronounced  in  the  name 
of  God  and  the  saints,  (per  Deum  et  per  sanctos.)  The  evangelical  cantons  were  in- 
clined, in  the  interest  of  the  union,  to  make  a  concession,  to  which  Zurich  refused  to 
lend  itself. 


1556.]  AMBROSE   BLAURER.  269 

will  be  our  duty  to  do,  lest  we  should  seem  to  avoid  confer- 
ences, which  I  say  is  avoiding  the  light.  As  the  hour  now 
summons  me  to  my  lecture,  I  shall  put  an  end  to  my  letter. 
Farewell,  then,  most  excellent  sir,  and  highly  esteemed  bro- 
ther. Be  careful  to  salute  your  fellow  pastors.  I  was  grieved, 
as  you  may  well  suppose,  to  hear  that  your  society  was 
diminished  by  the  death  of  that  holy  man,  Pellican.1  May 
the  Lord  gather  us  happily  to  himself.  Meanwhile,  may  he 
continually  protect  and  govern  you,  your  family,  and  all  the 
others. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  copy. — Library  of  Zurich,  Coll.  Simler.     "Vol.  87.] 


CCCCXXXY.— To  Ambrose  Blaurer. 

Malady  of  Calvin — the  sending  off  of  several  writings — explications  on  the  subject  of 
the  conflict  with  Berne. 

Geneva,  loth  May  1556. 

It  happened  unfortunately  that  when  Wittembach  brought 
me  your  letters  I  was  sound  asleep,  worn  out  by  a  violent  fit 
of  fever,  with  which  I  had  been  attacked.  This  prevented  me 
from  saluting  him,  as  it  was  my  wish.  And  as  I  do  not  stir 
abroad,  it  would  not  have  been  polite  to  invite  him  to  come 
to  my  house.  Besides  it  is  not  a  very  pleasant  thing  to  visit 
sick  people.  The  issue  of  my  malady  I  commit  to  the  hands 
of  God,  for  I  have  had  a  hard  struggle  and  my  constitution 
is  not  at  all  robust.  The  doctors  however  have  good  hopes.2 
When  you  asked  for  the  defence  of  our  consensus,  I  was  sur- 
prised that  you  made  no  mention  of  the  refutation  of  West- 
phal,  for  I  had  already  expected  to  have  your  opinion  about 

1  Conrad  Pellican  died  the  6th  April  at  the  age  of  79.  He  was  one  of  the  most 
learned  hebraists  of  the  age,  and  at  the  same  time  a  man  of  incomparable  humility. 
He  had  for  successor  Peter  Martyr. 

2  The  illness  of  Calvin  was  so  serious  that  the  report  of  his  death  was  spread  about 
in  France,  and  produced  transports  of  joy  among  the  Catholics.  The  canons  of  the 
town  of  Noyon,  his  birth  place,  celebrated  on  this  occasion  a  solemn  thanksgiving  to 
God,  and  similar  manifestations  took  place  at  Fribourg. — Beza,  Vita  Cahini. 


270  AMBROSE  BLAURER.  [1556. 

it.  I  suspected,  therefore,  that  the  copy  which  I  had  sent  you 
must  have  miscarried.  At  present  I  have  not  hesitated  to 
send  you  one  at  your  own  expense.  Nothing  new  has  been 
published  here  which  I  believe  would  interest  you,  except 
perhaps  you  should  like  to  see  a  history  of  the  martyrs  of 
our  own  times.  But  because  you  may  chance  to  have  already 
a  copy,  I  was  unwilling  to  burden  Wittembach  with  parcels, 
and  you  with  expenses.  If  you  wish  however  to  see  it,  Farel 
will  procure  it  for  you.  Nothing  has  been  done  at  Berne. 
When  we  thought  that  the  affair  had  been  almost  settled — lo, 
unexpectedly,  new  conditions  are  proposed.  It  is  sufficient 
for  our  townsmen  to  have  refused  nothing  to  which  equitable 
men  judge  that  it  was  their  duty  to  have  yielded.  For  who- 
ever shall  read  the  demands  of  the  opposite  party,  will  easily 
see  that  from  confidence  in  their  own  power,  they  have  wished 
to  impose  laws  which  destroy  all  equality  of  rights.  Our 
citizens  had  the  alliance  much  at  heart,  provided  it  were  sup- 
portable. It  is  no  new  thing  that  the  fault  should  be  thrown 
on  me,  but  I  have  become  callous  to  such  nauseous  twaddle. 
Respecting  other  matters,  if  I  recover,  I  shall  write  to  Farel, 
begging  him  to  communicate  my  information  to  you.  Fare- 
well, distinguished  sir,  and  most  venerable  brother.  All  my 
colleagues  as  well  as  the  syndic,  and  Roset,  salute  you.  The 
money  of  which  you  make  mention  had  been  paid  back  long 
ago.  Salute  in  my  name  your  colleague,  Fundi,  and  other 
friends.  May  the  Lord  support  you  by  his  power,  protect 
you  by  his  defence,  and  increase  you  with  his  blessing. — 
Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  copy. — Library  of  Zurich,  Coll.  Hottinguer.  Vol.  F,  43,  p.  465.] 


1556.]       THE   ELDERS   AND    DEACONS    OF    FRANKFORT.  271 


CCCCXXXYI. — To  the    Elders  and    Deacons  of    the 
French  Church  of  Frankfort.' 

He  exhorts  them  to  calm  the  opposition  formed  against  them,  and  to  make  use  of  their 
authority  with  moderation. 

Geneva,  2ith  June  1556. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  be  always  upon  you,  by  the  communication  of  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

Beloved  Seniors  and  Brethren, — Your  letters  would 
have  been  a  greater  source  of  pleasure  to  me,  in  as  much  as 
they  inform  me  that  tranquillity  is  now  re-established  in  your 
church,  were  it  not  that  a  common  report  is  spread  abroad, 
that  nothing  has  been  as  yet  amended,  and  that  animosities 
and  debates  prevail  in  it  as  much  as  ever.  I  am  well  aware 
that  such  maladies  are  not  of  a  sudden  so  radically  cured,  but 
that  some  traces  of  them  remain ;  that  where  altercations  have 
taken  place,  one  of  the  parties  must  continue  discontented  till 
time  have  worn  out  all  disagreeable  impressions.  But  the 
rumour  is  that  there  is  a  vast  number  of  persons  in  your 
society  who  murmur  and  are  more  alienated  than  ever.  If 
such  is  the  case,  I  know  not  what  issue  is  to  be  expected;  I 
fear  only  that  there  will  result  great  disorder,  which  I  pray 
God  to  remedy.     In  the  mean  time,  do  ye  also  advise  how  you 

1  In  spite  of  the  reiterated  exhortations  of  Calvin,  the  French  Church  of  Frankfort 
was  always  a  prey  to  the  same  divisions.  This  anarchy  had  penetrated  into  the  body 
of  the  elders  and  deacons,  whilst  a  fraction  of  the  church,  devoted  to  the  minister 
Valeran,  and  punished  with  excommunication,  threatened  to  separate  themselves  from 
the  rest  of  the  flock. 

It  was  in  these  circumstances  that  Calvin  again  let  his  voice  be  heard.  The  double 
message  which  he  addressed  to  the  directors  and  members  of  the  church  of  Frankfort 
was  confided  to  William  Olbrac  setting  out  for  this  city.  He  arrived  there,  16th  July 
1556,  equally  charged  with  a  letter  from  Farel :  "  To  the  brethren  of  the  holy  French. 
Church,"  which  is  still  preserved  in  the  archives  of  this  church.  Olbrac  exercised  not 
quite  two  years  the  functions  of  the  ministry  in  the  congregation  of  Frankfort,  which 
was  continually  rent  by  divisions.  He  signed  for  the  last  time  the  Registers  of  the 
Consistory  27th  November  1558,  and  became,  the  following  year,  pastor  of  the  Re- 
formed  church  of  Strasbourg. 


272  THE   ELDERS    AND    DEACONS    OF  [1556. 

may  put  a  check  to  it.  Especially  I  entreat  you  to  preserve 
as  much  moderation  as  possible,  not  to  exasperate  those  who 
are  already  but  too  much  irritated;  and  this  I  say  not  without 
cause,  for,  to  confess  frankly  what  is  the  general  opinion,  I 
wish  you  had  not  used  such  rigour  towards  those  who  disap- 
proved of  the  election  made  by  you.  If  after  sentence  had 
been  pronounced,  they  had  continued  to  condemn  you,  there 
would  have  been  just  cause  for  calling  them  to  account  as 
people  forming  a  separate  sect.  But  since  they  do  not  pre- 
vent you  from  discharging  your  functions;  since  they  even 
make  answer  before  you,  submitting  to  the  common  order;  it 
appears  to  me  that  it  was  not  right  to  urge  them  further;  for 
since  they  did  not  give  their  consent  to  your  election,  you 
cannot  fail  to  observe,  that  they  deemed  it  illegal  as  far  as  they 
were  concerned.  No  doubt  that  is  a  private  feeling  which  I 
confess  to  be  faulty.  When  they  endeavoured  to  annul  and 
set  aside  the  election,  the  evil  was  still  more  serious.  Now, 
here  is  the  manner  in  which  I  would  have  proceeded.  Since 
it  is  known  that  the  election  was  displeasing  to  them,  I  would 
not  have  exacted  of  them  a  formal  declaration  of  their  appro- 
bation of  it,  as  you  now  do;  provided,  however,  they  consent 
to  accept  you  as  elders,  without  offering  any  opposition  to 
you  in  the  discharge  of  your  functions,  and  also  that  they  shall 
hold  themselves  amenable  to  discipline.  How  many  good 
and  pious  elections,  think  ye,  have  there  been,  and  those  too  of 
excellent  men,  which,  for  all  that,  have  not  given  satisfaction  to 
every  body?  I  will  cite  one  example.  When  our  worthy 
brother,  Master  Richard,  was  elected,  he  was  not  to  the  liking 
of  certain  persons.  These  were  displeased,  but  they  did  not 
however  form  any  opposition  to  the  election,  or  if  they  did, 
they  finally  acquiesced  in  what  had  been  done.  If  a  declara- 
tion had  been  exacted  of  them  that  the  election  was  duly 
made,  would  not  this  compulsory  measure  have  seemed  too 
harsh?  For  my  own  part,  I  have  not  always  approved  of  the 
elections  which  I  have  consented  to,  for  I  am  not  bound  to 
believe  that  every  one  possesses  such  sound  judgment  and 
discretion  for  electing,  as  were  to  be  desired;  wherefore  it 
seems  to  me  that  people  have  reason  to  be  satisfied  with  me, 


1556.]      THE  FRENCH  CHURCH  OF  FRANKFORT.        273 

if  I  simply  yield  to  the  majority  of  voices.  In  a  like  case,  it 
would  have  been  more  useful,  methinks,  to  exhort  those  who 
have  molested  you  to  beware  of  breaking  the  union  of  the 
church  or  separating  themselves  from  the  body  of  the  faithful, 
and  advise  them  at  the  same  time  to  aid  you  who  are  its  min- 
isters in  the  discharge  of  your  duties.  If  they  had  refused  to 
recognize  you,  they  would  then  have  shewn  themselves  en- 
tirely rebellious  and  schismatical.  But  they  protest  that, 
without  making  a  public  declaration  of  their  approval  of  your 
election,  they  were  prepared  to  conform  with  the  others  and 
submit  to  your  discipline.  When  that  did  not  satisfy  you, 
most  people  will  say  that  you  carry  your  cause  with  too  high 
a  hand,  or  at  least  so  as  to  afford  a  handle  for  blaming  you ; 
and  many  will  gladly  lay  hold  of  it.  For  that  reason  it  would 
have  been  better  not  to  insist  so  strongly  on  what  concerns 
your  persons.  Touching  the  laying  down  of  the  offices  which 
they  held,  not  to  speak  of  the  weakness  and  vice  which  such 
an  act  involved,  we  must  always  condemn  it  as  being  at  the 
same  time  an  ungracious  proceeding.  But  one  thing  is  certain, 
that  to  constrain  them  will  be  esteemed  by  many  a  violent 
act.  Especially  as  there  already  existed  some  time  before 
certain  grudges,  people  will  easily  presume  "that  you  have 
watched  for  an  opportunity  of  vexing  them.  Now  we  should 
be  on  our  guard  not  to  expose  ourselves  to  these  suspicions, 
even  if  they  should  not  conclude  that  you  did  it  on  purpose. 
I  know  not  if  any  one  will  think  you  have  done  right  in  ex- 
communicating them  on  such  pretexts.  For  my  own  part  I 
would  not  have  given  my  consent  to  such  a  proceeding;  I 
write  this  to  you,  however,  not  to  oppose  your  sentence  nor 
to  annul  it,  but  because  I  consider  myself  bound  to  let  you 
know  my  opinion  in  compliance  with  your  own  request.  For 
I  would  not  intrude  upon  the  charge  of  others,  and  well  I 
know  the  danger  that  results  from  one  church's  undertaking 
to  absolve  those  that  have  been  condemned  by  another.  Only 
I  remind  you  of  what  people  may  think  of  you,  that  you  may 
take  measures  that  a  second  fire  of  discord  be  not  kindled 
which  it  might  be  too  difficult  to  extinguish. 

As  to  the  election  which  you  have  in  view  to  make  in  order 
35 


274  THE    FRENCH    CHURCH    OF   FRANKFORT.  [1556. 

to  increase  your  society,  it  is  a  good  and  praiseworthy  inten- 
tion. I  could  have  wished,  however,  since  you  direct  your 
views  to  our  quarter,  that  you  had  deferred  your  project  till 
the  arrival  of  Master  William  Olbrac.  For  you  will  never  be 
able  to  act  so  well,  but  that  your  conduct  will  always  be  ex- 
posed to  calumny,  for  not  having  waited  for  the  coming  of  a 
second  pastor.  But  since  it  is  an  act  accomplished,  I  will 
pray  God  that  he  will  be  pleased  to  bless  the  whole  transaction, 
begging  *you,  my  brethren,  not  to  be  offended  at  the  liberty 
which  I  have  taken  in  declaring  to  you  what  I  had  on  my 
mind.  For  these  are  things  which  I  should  not  and  could  not 
dissemble  in  writing  to  you.  For  the  rest,  you  will  see  how 
I  write  in  general  to  the  whole  church. 

Wherefore  I  will  conclude,  having  commended  myself  to 
your  fervent  prayers,  and  on  my  own  part,  having  supplicated 
our  heavenly  Father  to  have  you  in  his  holy  keeping  and 
govern  you  by  his  Holy  Spirit,  that  you  may  further  the  edi- 
fication of  his  church. 

Your  humble  brother, 

John  Calvin. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.     Tol.  107.] 


CCCCXXXYII. — To  the  French  Church  of  Frankfort.1 

Eulogy  of  the  minister  Olbrac — double  duty  of  respect  and  charity. 

Geneva,  2ith  June  1556. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  be  always  upon  you,  by  the  communication  of 
the  Holy  Spirit. 

1  At  the  same  time  that  he  exhorted  the  spiritual  chiefs  of  the  French  congregation 
of  Frankfort,  to  make  use  of  their  authority  with  moderation  and  prudence,  Calvin, 
addressing  himself  to  the  whole  of  the  members  of  their  church,  offered  them  coun- 
sels dictated  by  a  spirit  of  forbearance  and  peace.  Such  also  was  the  purport  of  his 
correspondence  with  the  senator  of  Frankfort,  Clauburger,  and  of  the  letter  which  he 
wrote  the  24th  June,  to  the  minister  Valeran,  inviting  him  to  resign  voluntarily  his 
pastoral  functions,  if  the  majority  of  the  church  continued  to  be  opposed  to.  him  : 
"  After  all  remedies  have  been  tried,  if  you  perceive  that  you  are  disagreeable  to  the 
majority  of  the  church,  you  should  retire  rather  than  expose  yourself  and  your  minis- 


1556.]  THE   FRENCH    CHURCH    OF    FRANKFORT.  275 

Dearly  Beloved  Seniors  and  Brethren,  —  Though 
after  the  death  of  our  excellent  brother,  Master  Richard,  it 
would  have  been  highly  expedient  for  you  to  have  been  im- 
mediately provided  with  another  pastor,  especially  on  account 
of  your  troubles  and  divisions,  and  also  because  a  prolonged 
state  of  suspense  was  painful  to  you,  nevertheless  I  trust,  God 
willing,  that  the  fruit  you  will  reap  from  the  arrival  of  our 
brother  Master  William  Olbrac,  will  give  you  so  much  satis- 
faction and  so  indemnify  you  for  your  inconvenience,  that  you 
shall  have  no  reason  to  regret  having  pined  for  some  time, 
rather  than  by  too  great  a  precipitation,  to  have  procured  a 
person  less  suited  to  your  wants.  For  Master  William  is  a 
man  well  versed  in  the  scriptures,  and  who  possesses  a  sincere 
and  perfect  zeal  to  edify  the  church.  Some  of  you  have 
known  him,  and  here  among  us  he  has  given  such  proofs  of 
his  worth,  that,  but  for  our  respect  for  you,  we  should  have 
retained  him  in  our  society.  Wherefore,  according  as  he  shall 
endeavour  to  employ  faithfully,  for  your  profit  and  spiritual 
welfare,  the  gifts  with  which  God  has  endowed  him,  deliberate 
how  to  render  them  more  profitable,  for  by  giving  him  a  kind 
welcome,  and  submitting  with  docility  to  the  doctrine  which 
he  shall  teach  you,  you  will  give  him  courage  to  acquit  him- 
self still  better  of  his  duty.  I  doubt  not,  but  that  on  his 
side,  he  will  study  to  promote  peace  and  concord,  and  should 
there  be  any  remains  of  your  former  wrangling  and  conten- 
tions, that  he  will  remedy  them  by  the  most  suitable  means. 
I  entreat  you  in  the  name  of  God,  to  conform  on  both  sides  to 
whatever  tends  to  bring  you  back  to  a  sincere  union,  for  it  is 
not  enough  that  your  differences  are  so  far  appeased,  that  you 
are  no  longer  by  your  divisions  at  open  war  with  one  another. 
The  main  point  is,  that  all  of  you  should  be  so  intimately 
conjoined,  as  to  serve  God  with  one  mind  and  cordial  desires. 
For  this  end,  you  have  need  to  forget  whatever  is  past,  for  I 
clearly  perceive,  that  the  recollection  of  it,  which  some  still 
preserve,  nourishes  in  them  a  root  of  bitterness,  which  will 
produce  from  day  to  day  fresh  heart-burnings,  unless  it  be 

,try  to  continual  reproaches,  that  new  accusations  should  every  day  be  contrived,  and 
the  church  torn  by  a  deadly  dissension." 


276  THE   FRENCH   CHURCH    OF   FRANKFORT.  [1556. 

duly  purged.  I  will  cite  you  one  example  which  has  come  to 
my  ears  of  the  truth  of  what  I  advance.  When  a  person  of 
the  name  of  Cisberg,  a  native  of  Guelderland,  was  signalized  to 
you  as  a  man  of  mischievous  and  pernicious  opinions,  in 
order  that  every  body  might  beware  of  him  and  shun  him  as 
a  person  rejected  by  the  church,  you  know  that  one  of  the 
flock  rose  up  to  contradict  the  statement.  Now,  admitting 
that  he  had  some  reason  for  doing  this,  yet  most  assuredly  the 
proceeding  was  neither  polite  nor  christian  like.  And  after 
all,  when  a  man  has  been  examined  respecting  his  doctrine, 
by  men  who  have  an  office  in  the  church,  among  whom  was 
our  respected  brother,  Monsieur  Laski,  and  has  been  found 
by  them  perverse  and  obstinate  in  his  errors,  what  kind  of 
excuse  is  it  for  him,  that  a  joiner  alone  should  take  upon  him 
to  be  judge  and  rescind  whatever  had  been  decided?  But  so 
it  is  when  our  hearts  are  embittered  with  animosity,  suspi- 
cions must  needs  get  the  upper  hand,  and  dispose  us  to  put 
an  unfavourable  construction  on  every  thing  that  is  done  by 
those  whom  we  dislike,  to  such  a  pitch  that  from  ill-will  to 
individuals  we  will  call  white  black.  If  things  go  on  in  this 
train,  new  evils  will  never  cease  to  break  out  among  you, 
and  at  last  the  mischief  will  acquire  such  intensity  as  to  de- 
stroy every  thing.  Wherefore  we  have  need  to  bridle  our 
affections  more  carefully,  in  order  to  tame  and  moderate  them. 
Nor  is  this  the  only  advantage  flowing  from  self-restraint,  for 
in  bearing  with  one  another's  infirmities  in  the  spirit  of  meek- 
ness and  humanity,  we  give  occasion  to  those  who  have  been 
alienated,  to  unite  with  us  again.  Thus,  my  brethren,  I  be- 
seech you  in  the  name  of  God,  to  put  in  practice  more  and 
more  this  lesson  of  St.  Paul's,  "Let  nothing  be  done  from 
contention,  nor  from  lust  of  victory,"  as  the  word  which  he 
employs  imports,  for  the  moment  every  one  shall  lay  himself 
out  to  support  his  own  quarrel,  people  must  of  necessity  come 
to  a  battle.  Rather  let  each  man  avow  his  faults,  and  those 
who  have  been  to  blame,  submit  of  their  own  accord  ;  let  peo- 
ple give  up  all  attacks  which  are  good  for  nothing  but  to  keep 
up  mutual  grudges.  For  if  we  can  endure  nothing  that  dis- 
pleases us,  it  would  be  necessary  for  each  man  to  order  his' 


1556.]      THE  FRENCH  CHURCH  OF  FRANKFORT.       277 

manner  of  life  apart,  and  it  is  for  this  reason  that  St.  Paul, 
wishing  to  exhort  the  Ephesians  to  maintain  unity  of  mind 
in  the  bonds  of  peace,  and  especially  to  bring  them  back  to 
humility,  meekness,  and  patience,  insists  on  their  bearing  with 
one  another  and  supporting  one  another  in  charity.  Thus,  my 
brethren,  forget  that  you  have  a  cause  to  gain — remember 
only  that  you  have  a  battle  to  gain  against  Satan,  who  asks 
for  nothing  better  than  to  keep  you  divided,  because  he 
knows  that  your  safety  consists  in  your  good  and  holy  union. 

In  expressing  myself  thus,  I  mean  not  to  approve  of  all 
faults,  but  if  there  has  been  subject  for  reprehension  in  some 
things,  since  the  interests  of  religion  are  not  compromised  by 
them,  let  that  be  buried  in  oblivion;  and  let  no  one  pursue 
points  of  form,  or  errors  of  inadvertence,  or  other  infirmities, 
as  if  they  were  mortal  and  insupportable  crimes,  and  espe- 
cially let  him  not  persist  obstinately  to  disperse,  that  is  to 
ruin  entirely,  a  poor  church.  What  I  say  is  not  in  favour  of 
persons,  nor  because  I  am  badly  informed,  for  I  love  you  all, 
desiring  that  your  imperfections  were  corrected  as  well  as  my 
own,  and  the  zeal  I  have  for  your  salvation  is  the  cause  that 
your  spiritual  state  interests  me  as  much  as  if  I  were  closely 
connected  with  you.  For  the  rest,  my  brethren,  permit  our 
excellent  brother,  Olbrac,  who  is  gone  among  you,  to  be  a 
physician  to  those  who  have  hitherto  been  too  much  the  slaves 
of  their  passions.  And  to  prove  that  you  are  desirous  of  a 
holy  union  with  one  another,  let  each  one  strive  to  make  it 
up  with  him  to  whom  he  has  been  an  enemy. 

Whereupon  I  will  conclude,  having  prayed  our  heavenly 
Father,  to  have  you  always  in  his  holy  keeping,  to  guide  you 
in  all  wisdom  and  uprightness,  to  cause  you  to  walk  with  one 
accord  in  his  service,  and  to  increase  in  you  all  his  blessings, 
after  commending  myself  at  the  same  time  to  your  fervent 
prayers. 

Your  humble  brother, 

John  Calvin. 

\Fr.copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107.] 


278  JOHN   CLAUBURGER.  [1556. 


CCCCXXXVIIL— To  John  Clauburger.' 

Complaints  respecting  the  sad  condition  of  the  church  of  Frankfort — answer  to  an 
accusation — refutation  of  the  doctrine  of  the  damnation  of  children  that  have  not 
been  presented  to  baptism. 

Geneva,  2ith  June  1556. 

"When  you  have  undertaken  so  many  troublesome  affairs,  to 
prepare  in  your  town,  for  the  persons  who  speak  our  language, 
the  little  church  which  is  placed  under  your  faith  and  protec- 
tion; and  have  been  exposed  to  so  many  vexatious,  illustrious 
and  right  honourable  Seigneur;  not  to  reap  such  fruits  of 
your  labours  as  was  to  be  desired,  and  as  I  expected,  causes 
me  the  deepest  sorrow.  This  was  the  proposed  recompense 
of  your  labours,  to  see  a  holy  unity  reign  among  those,  who 
had  formerly  torn  one  another  to  pieces  in  their  mutual  dis- 
cords; to  see  a  church  flourishing  in  peace,  which  intestine 
convulsions  would  have  ruined  a  hundred  times,  unless  the 
Lord  had  miraculously  preserved  it.  Now  that  they  are  again 
contending  with  bitter  hatred,  that  murmurings  and  detractions 
do  not  cease,  that  a  fresh  virulence  in  fine  has  broken  out,  and 
that  there  is  no  end  to  their  disturbances,  it  must  be,  I  imagine, 
a  sad  and  painful  spectacle  to  you,  and  the  total  absence  of 
good  feeling  in  them  who  ought  to  prove  their  docility  towards 
you,  offends  me  no  less,  than  fear  for  the  fatal  issue  fills  me 
with  anguish.     And  yet  to  dissemble  nothing,  I  am  afraid  that 

1  Raised  above  the  prejudices  of  the  Lutherans  by  the  nobleness  of  his  character, 
this  magistrate  had  not  hesitated  to  take  under  his  protection  the  foreign  congrega- 
tions which  had  been  formed  at  Frankfort,  and  he  applied  himself  to  cause  to  reign 
among  them  a  spirit  of  moderation  and  prudence,  which  could  alone  disarm  their 
numerous  enemies.  Such  was  the  sense  of  a  letter  which  he  wrote  to  Calvin  in  the 
month  of  December  1555  :  "  Since  by  the  providence  of  God,  an  asylum  has  been 
granted  in  this  city  to  these  exiles,  and  at  the  present  moment  not  only  Frenchmen, 
or  Flemings,  but  even  Englishmen  have  their  separate  assemblies,  I  earnestly  entreat 
that  of  your  piety,  you  would  be  pleased  by  your  letters  -to  exhort  those  who  are  in 
the  doctrine  of  the  true  faith,  that  laying  aside  all  envy,  they  should  not  allow  them- 
selves to  be  circumvented  by  the  wiles  of  Satan  to  sow  and  stir  up  useless  contentions, 
<tc.  (Library  of  Genera,  vol.  109.)  These  prudent  counsels  transmitted  by  Calvin 
himself  to  the  exiles  of  Frankfort,  and  unfortunately  but  too  little  attended  to,  did 
not  appease  the  troubles  of  whioh  the  prolongation  rendered  necessary  *oop  alter  » 
journey  of  the  Reformer  to  Frankfort. 


1556.]  JOHN  CLAUBURGER.  279 

certain  persons  of  the  adverse  party  puffed  up  by  their  victory 
exasperate  still  more  minds,  already  more  than  sufficiently  prone 
to  contention.  To  tell  you  frankly  all  I  think,  in  that  sentence 
pronounced  by  you,  of  which  a  copy  was  sent  to  me,  there  is 
one  article  which  I  could  wish  had  been  omitted,  and  which 
I  doubt  not  was  suggested  to  you  by  a  certain  individual. 
For  it  would  not  of  its  own  accord  have  presented  itself  to 
your  mind,  to  consider  his  former  ministry  as  entitling  him  to 
the  same  rights  among  you  as  if  he  still  occupied  his  full  rank 
in  England.1  Nothing  perhaps  has  contributed  more  from 
the  beginning  to  create  discords,  or  at  least  to  beget  heart- 
burnings, than  that  rivalry;  for  the  greater  part  thought  them- 
selves degraded  from  their  equal  rank  and  contumeliously  ex- 
cluded from  the  common  society,  if  the  church  which  had 
found  an  asylum  among  you  should  receive  laws  from  one 
party.  It  would  have  been  more  advantageous  then  to  have 
suppressed  that  clause  and  created  him  pastor,  only  from  the 
time  at  which  by  the  demand  of  the  dispersed  flock  he  had 
obtained  a  place  in  your  city,  and  had  exercised  the  functions 
of  a  pastor.  I  see  how  obstinately  Augustiu2  endeavours  to 
defend  all  his  pretensions,  but  some  regard  should  also  have 
been  paid  to  those,  who,  it  was  hoped,  would  be  more  pliant. 
I  have  thought  proper  to  touch  slightly  on  this  subject,  not 
that  I  disapprove  of  your  judgment,  but  that  nevertheless  you 
should  carefully  examine  whether  that  fear,  which  makes  me 
not  a  little  anxious,  was  altogether  unfounded.  For  you  see 
that  the  pastor  in  question  is  detested  by,  or  not  very  agree- 
able, not  only  to  the  perverse  and  peevish,  but  also  to  some 
honest  and  simple  people,  because  he  has  not  much  consis- 
tency, and  seldom  persists  in  a  uniform  course.  And  though 
he  is  attacked  by  unjust  spite,  yet  I  know  that  he  has  lost  the 
affections  of  the  greater  part  of  the  church,  and  if  they  be  not 
reconciled,  a  sad  dispersion  is  at  hand;  nor  do  I  see  any  other 


1  Allusion  to  the  position  of  Valeran  Poulain  already  minister  of  the  French  or 
Flemish  refugees  in  England,  but  whom  a  numerous  party  wished  to  subject  to  a  re- 
election in  his  new  parish.  In  refusing  this  right  to  a  minority,  Calvin  accorded  it 
to  the  representatives  of  the  whole  community. 

a  A  deacon  of  the  church,  and  an  adversary  of  Valeran  Poulain. 


280  JOHN    CLAUBURGER.  [1556. 

remedy,  but  that  he  essay  to  appease  them,  which  he  has  pro- 
mised to  do,  but  which,  as  many  affirm,  he  has  not  done.  But 
my  very  excellent  sir,  on  the  present  question  you  see  better 
how  things  stand.  If.  however,  after  all,  their  aversion  is  im- 
placable, it  will  be  better  that  the  man  should  be  transferred 
to  some  charge  elsewhere,  than  that  he  should  be  a  subject  of 
contempt  to  his  own  partisans,  and  exposed  to  continual 
calumnies,  not  without  disgrace  and  dishonour  to  the  functions 
which  he  discharges.  I  should  never  concede,  indeed,  to  fro- 
ward  people  that  their  pastor  should  yield  to  their  perverse- 
ness,  because  such  a  thing  would  set  a  bad  example,  and  such 
excessive  facility  would  only  increase  the  fury  or  audacity  of 
his  opposers.  But  if  the  greater  part  of  the  church,  disgusted 
with  their  minister,  can  scarcely  endure  to  listen  to  him,  even 
should  we  grant  that  their  disgust  is  unfounded,  which  how- 
ever there  is  no  reason  to  suppose,  having  attempted  all 
remedies,  there  remains  but  that  extreme  one  to  which  I  have 
just  now  alluded.  I  wish,  however,  that  their  minds  would 
gradually  become  mollified,  so  as  to  retain  him  whom  they 
have  at  present  taken  such  an  aversion  to.  In  taking  care  to 
have  letters  delivered  to  your  preachers  by  your  illustrious 
burgomaster,  you  have  acted  with  prudence.  I  also  approve 
and  follow  the  advice  you  give  me  to  suspend  my  journey; 
nor  was  it  my  intention  to  press  it  further,  provided  it  should 
only  be  evident  that  zeal  was  not  a  wanting  on  my  part  to 
endeavour  to  foster  mutual  peace  between  us;  and  if  any  con- 
tention should  break  out,  they  ought  to  be  blamed  for  it,  who 
disapproved  of  the  offered  condition.  And  indeed  they 
courteously  declared  that  they  would  remain  peaceable.  But 
though  they  do  not  dissemble  that  they  dissent  from  my  doc- 
trine, they  nevertheless  promise  that  they  will  make  it  their 
business  that  the  churches  shall  not  be  disturbed  by  their 
contests.  Since  they  acknowledge,  however,  that  I  am  a  faith- 
ful minister  of  Christ,  and  have  deserved  well  of  the  church, 
I  was  very  much  surprised  that,  when  they  lately  maintained 
that  infants  should  rather  be  baptized  at  home,  and  even  by 
women,  than  that  they  should  depart  out  of  this  life  without 
baptism,  they  odiously  brought  an  accusation  against  me.     If 


1556.]  JOHX   CLAUBURGER.  281 

they  had  only  blamed  what  I  teach,  it  was  my  duty  to  endure 
their  censure;  but  when  they  give  out  that  the  French,  by  my 
example,  wish  to  impose  laws  on  others,  and  add  moreover 
that  I  here  exercise  a  tyranny,  their  conduct  by  no  means 
corresponds  to  that  brotherly  kindness,  which  they  by  letter 
promised  me.  And  how  vile  the  calumny  is  about  my  tyranny, 
I  leave  the  judgment  to  my  colleagues  and  brethren,  who  cer- 
tainly have  never  complained  that  they  were  oppressed  by 
my  authority.  Nay,  they  have  often  expostulated  with  me, 
because  I  am  too  timid,  and  do  not  employ  with  sufficient 
liberty,  where  there  is  occasion,  that  authority  which  they  all 
approve  of.  I  wish  your  ministers  could  see  on  what  hard  con- 
ditions I  discharge  my  office  of  teaching,  and  that,  in  the  mean 
time,  I  arrogate  nothing  to  myself;  they  would  certainly,  from 
their  own  good  feeling,  be  ashamed  of  their  rashness.  But 
though  I  do  not  by  this  moderation  escape  the  sarcasms  of 
ungodly  men,  not  only  the  testimony  of  my  conscience  suffices 
me,  but  also  the  evidence  of  the  thing  itself,  and  of  manifest 
experience,  by  which  is  refuted  whatever  ill-intentioned  per- 
sons murmur  against  me.  I  should  like  to  know,  however, 
from  themselves  who  find  my  power  offensive  even  at  so  great 
a  distance,  what  they  consider  tyrannical  in  me.  Is  it  because 
I  offered  to  render  to  them  an  account  of  my  conduct;  that  I 
was  ready  to  undertake  a  long  and  difficult  journey  for  their 
sake;  that  when  not  one  of  them  had  ever  addressed  to  me  one 
little  word  of  civility,  I  anticipated  them  in  that  act  of  courtesy  ; 
is  it  for  any  of  these  reasons,  that  I  seem  to  be  aiming  at 
despotic  power?  Assuredly  they  are  by  far  too  irritable,  if, 
not  satisfied  with  rejecting  friendly  conditions,  they  vent  their 
spite  into  the  bargain.  And  yet  their  churlishness  shall  never 
make  me  repent  of  the  good  office  I  undertook.  But  what 
grieves  me  is  that  they  thoughtlessly  fall  foul  of  an  unoffend- 
ing brother,  so  as  not  to  abstain  from  the  most  atrocious  out- 
rages in  respect  of  him.  As  regards  the  question  itself,  I  am 
not  ignorant  how  deeply  rooted  this  persuasion  is  in  the  minds 
of  many,  that  the  infants  who  go  out  of  this  world  without 
baptism  are  excluded  from  all  hope  of  salvation.  But  on  what 
slight  grounds  this  error  has  been  propagated,  it  may  not  be 
36 


282  JOHN    CLAUBURGER.  [1556. 

amiss  that  we  should  examine  together.  The  celebrated  say- 
ing of  Christ  is  quoted:  "Unless  a  man  he  born  of  water  and 
the  Spirit,  he  shall  not  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God."  But 
first  of  all  I  deny  that  the  external  baptism  of  water  is  in  that 
passage  conjoined  with  the  regeneration  of  the  Spirit,  because 
it  is  rather  the  identical  thing  that  is  twice  expressed,  and  the 
words  of  the  Spirit  are  subjoined  by  way  of  comment.  For  it 
would  have  been  absurd  when  Christ  wished  to  strip  Nicode- 
mus  of  his  carnal  nature,  in  order  that  the  latter,  laying  aside 
his  pride,  should  descend  to  true  humility  in  the  manner  of  a 
little  child,  that  our  Lord  should  immediately  begin  by  bap- 
tizing him.  But  should  I  grant  the  words  in  question  to  refer 
to  baptism,  still  the  necessity  is  not  absolutely  insisted  on,  but 
an  external  sign  is  added  as  it  were  an  accessary  to  newness 
of  life;  as  if  it  had  been  said  that  the  entrance  into  the  king- 
dom of  heaven  is  not  open  to  any  one  without  newness  of  life, 
of  which  baptism  is  the  symbol.  Certainly  Luther,  whose 
name  those  men  are  always  bringing  forward,  remarked  with 
great  intelligence,  that  when  Christ  is  represented  in  the 
gospel  of  Mark  as  saying:  Whoever  shall  believe  and  be 
baptized  shall  be  saved;  he  does  not  repeat  in  the  second  mem- 
ber of  the  sentence:  "Whoever  shall  not  be  baptized  shall  be 
condemned.  For,  if  without  baptism  there  is  no  salvation,  the 
thief  on  the  cross,  who  was  admitted  into  the  kingdom  of  God 
without  baptism,  will  have  to  be  withdrawn  thence. 

But  that  all  doubt  may  be  better  cleared  away,  this  principle 
should  ever  be  kept  in  mind,  that  baptism  is  not  conferred  on 
children  in  order  that  they  may  become  sons  and  heirs  of  God, 
but,  because  they  are  already  considered  by  God  as  occupying 
that  place  and  rank,  the  grace  of  adoption  is  sealed  in  their 
flesh  by  the  rite  of  baptism.  Otherwise  the  Anabaptists  are 
in  the  right  in  excluding  them  from  baptism.  For  unless  the 
thing  signified  by  the  external  sign  can  be  predicated  of  them, 
it  will  be  a  mere  profanation  to  call  them  to  a  participation 
of  the  sign  itself.  But  if  any  one  were  inclined  to  refuse  them 
baptism,  we  have  a  ready  answer;  they  are  already  of  the  flock 
of  Christ,  of  the  family  of  God,  since  the  covenant  of  salvation 
which  God  enters  into  with  believers  is  common  also  to  their 


1556.]  JOHN  CLAUBURGER.  233 

children.  As  the  words,  import:  I  will  be  thy  God  and  the 
God  of  thy  seed  after  thee.  Unless  this  promise  had  preceded, 
certainly  it  would  have  been  wrong  to  confer  on  them  baptism. 
Now  I  ask  whether  the  word  of  God  is  sufficient  by  its  in- 
trinsic virtue  for  our  salvation,  or  whether  some  aid  must  be 
borrowed  elsewhere  to  supply  its  defect,  or  help  its  infirmity? 
If  this  promise  is  not  believed  to  be  efficacious  in  itself,  not 
only  the  virtue  of  God,  but  also  his  grace  and  truth  will  be 
attached  to  the  external  sign.  Thus  those  men,  while  they 
strive  to  honour  baptism,  cast  serious  ignominy  on  God.  Now 
what  will  become  of  so  many  passages  in  which  Christ  is 
represented  as  satisfied  with  faith  alone?  They  will  deny  that 
faith  is  separated  from  baptism.  I  admit  it,  where  an  oppor- 
tunity of  receiving  it  is  afforded.  But  if  a  sudden  death  carry 
off  any  one  who  shall  have  embraced  the  gospel  of  Christ, 
will  they  therefore  doom  him  to  destruction,  because  he  has 
been  deprived  of  the  outward  washing  with  water?  Do  not 
ancient  histories  furnish  us  with  some  examples  of  martyrs, 
who  were  dragged  away  by  tyrants  to  execution  before  they 
had  presented  themselves  for  baptism  ?  And  for  this  want 
of  water,  will  the  blood  of  Christ  be  of  no  avail  to  the  holy 
martyr,  who  does  not  hesitate  to  shed  his  own  blood  for  the 
faith  of  the  gospel  in  which  is  placed  the  common  salvation 
of  all  ?  Assuredly  the  Papists  were  more  moderate,  who,  at 
least  in  this  case  of  necessity,  substitute  for  the  washing  of 
water  the  baptism  of  blood.  In  one  word,  unless  we  choose 
to  overturn  all  the  principles  of  religion,  we  shall  be  obliged 
to  confess  that  the  salvation  of  an  infant  does  not  depend  on, 
but  is  only  sealed  by  its  baptism.  Whence  it  follows  that  it 
is  not  rigorously  nor  absolutely  necessary.  And  should  we 
even  grant  what  they  perversely  demand,  viz.,  that  when  the 
danger  of  death  is  imminent,  infants  ought  to  be  baptized,  still 
it  should  be  administered  according  to  the  institution  and 
command  of  Christ.  Now  let  them  shew  where  Christ  has 
given  orders  to  laymen  to  administer  baptism.  Certainly  no 
one  in  the  church  usurps  this  honour  to  himself,  and  Christ,  by 
the  testimony  of  the  apostle,  prescribed  to  all  the  others  not 
to  take  upon  themselves  a  public  function.     The  order  which 


284  BULLIXGER.  [1556. 

Christ  gave  to  the  apostles  is  a  special  one :  Go  ye,  preach 
and  baptize.  Whoever  then  by  his  proper  authority  shall  at- 
tempt it,  will  be  condemned  for  rashness.  What  then  is  to 
be  said  of  women  to  whom  it  is  not  permitted  even  to  speak 
in  a  public  assembly  ?  But  I  have  discussed  with  you,  illustri- 
ous sir,  these  points  at  greater  length  than  was  necessary,  or 
than  the  limits  of  a  letter  warranted;  however,  if  a  more  co- 
pious and  exact  handling  of  this  question  should  give  you  any 
pleasure,  the  appendix  which  is  added  to  the  tract  against  the 
Interim,  will  furnish  you  wherewith  to  satisfy  your  wish. 
Farewell,  noble  and  venerable  Seigneur.  May  the  Lord  pre- 
serve you  in  safety  along  with  your  family,  sustain  you  with 
his  power,  govern  you  with  his  Spirit,  and  enrich  you  with 
every  blessing. 

[Calvin's  Lat.  Con-esp.    Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  111.] 


CCCCXXXIX.— To  Bullingbr. 

Conference  of  Spire — attitude  of  the  German  Princes — suitableness  of  a  new  colloquy. 

Geneva,  1st  July  1556. 

As  a  month  and  a  half  have  nearly  elapsed  since  your  letter 
came  to  hand,  and  I  have  not  yet  answered  it,  I  feel  somewhat 
ashamed  of  so  long  a  delay.  Lest  however  you  should  fancy 
that  I  have  nothing  to  offer  for  my  excuse,  you  must  know 
that  at  the  time  I  received  it,  I  was  ill  of  a  tertian  ague,  which 
gave  great  uneasiness  to  many,  and  a  fleeting  hope  of  wicked 
delight  to  some.1 

Since  then,  M.  John  Laski  has  kept  me  in  suspense.  He 
had  gone  to  arrange  matters  for  a  conference  at  the  convention 
of  Spire.  I  was  perfectly  ignorant  of  what  he  had  been  about, 
till  I  learned  by  a  letter  from  M.  Peter  Martyr,  that  in  the 
duchy  of  Wirtemberg,  he  had  a  disputation  with  Brentz.  Now 
certain  reports  are  flying  about,  from  which  it  appears  that 
though  Brentz  had  sillily  and  dully  maintained  the  infinite 
extension  of  the  body  of  Christ,  our  brother,  as  if  vanquished, 

•  See  note  p.  269. 


1556.]  BULLINGER.  285 

had  kept  silence.  Since  the  adverse  party  are  already  cele- 
brating their  triumphs,  Peter  Martyr  is  of  opinion  that  Laski 
had  acted  inconsiderately  in  engaging  in  the  dispute  privately 
without  competent  witnesses  and  judges.  Three  days  after, 
letters  came  from  Frankfort,  written  not  without  the  consent 
of  Laski  himself,  which  loudly  praise  the  success  of  this  un- 
lucky expedition.  It  was  not  himself  (for  he  was  confined  to 
bed  by  an  illness)  that  wrote,  but  an  intimate  friend  of  his 
who  shares  all  his  secrets.  This  letter  informs  us,  as  if  the 
words  came  from  Laski's  own  mouth,  that  the  Palatine  is  for 
us,  that  the  Duke  of  Wurtemberg  is  in  suspense,  that  the 
chancellor  of  the  Palatine  gives  his  voice  in  our  favour.  The 
Prince,  in  the  Diet  at  Eatisbon,  will  do  all  he  can  in  order  that 
learned  men  of  both  sides  should  assemble.  Along  with  the 
letter,  he  also  sent  certain  miscellaneous  notes  in  the  name  of 
one.  .  .'  for  the  purpose  of  excusing  our  brother,  which  con- 
firm the  letter  of  Peter  Martyr.  For  not  a  word  is  said  in 
them  about  the  disputation.  The  writer  only  mentions  what 
things  Laski  reflected  on  apart,  after  having  returned  from 
disputing  with  Brentz.  It  would  have  been  preferable  then 
to  remain  quiet,  unless  perchance  the  Lord,  contrary  to  our 
expectations,  produce  something  better.  He  lets  us  know  that 
Laski  was  reminded  by  his  nephew  that  the  king  of  Poland 
would  be  gratified,  if  before  he  returned  to  his  country  he 
should  write  an  apology  demonstrating  that  his  doctrine  cor- 
responded with  the  confession  of  Augsbourg,  and  that  for  that 
reason  he  was  meditating  a  short  writing  which  he  was  about 
to  publish  with  your  consent,  that  of  Peter  Martyr,  and  my 
own.  Though  I  do  not  disapprove  of  the  nature  of  the  subject 
nor  the  intention,  yet  I  see  that  the  matter  may  lead  to 
dangerous  consequences,  unless  it  be  managed  with  great 
address.  But  you  will  be  better  able  to  form  a  judgment  from 
a  perusal  of  the  book. 

Respecting  the  colloquy,  you  will  pardon  me  if  I  differ  a 
little  from  you;  for  though  it  does  not  seem  to  offer  so  much 
advantage  as  I  could  wish,  yet  because  it  would  be  far  more 
disgraceful  to  refuse,  than  to  incur  the  reproach  of  obstinacy 

1  The  word  in  the  manuscript  is  illegible. 


286  BULLINGER.  [1556. 

in  asserting  with  firmness  and  good  faith  the  true  doctrine,  I 
am  of  opinion  that  we  should  commit  the  issue  to  God,  provi- 
ded only  we  do  not  avoid  the  light.  For  my  part,  I  shall 
contain  myself  as  I  have  done  hitherto,  that  I  may  not  seem 
ambitious  in  intermeddling  too  eagerly.  If  the  adverse  party, 
however,  shall  without  provocation  challenge  us,  I  shall  be 
prepared  to  defend  my  faith,  nor  do  I  doubt  but  you  are  of 
the  same  mind  with  M.  Laski.  Meanwhile  I  have  let  him 
know  that  his  over- activity  does  not  please  me,  but  you  know 
how  difficult  it  is  to  turn  any  one  aside  from  his  natural  in- 
clination. 

Farewell,  most  excellent  sir,  and  much  esteemed  brother. 
May  the  Lord  always  stand  by  you,  govern  and  bless  you 
along  with  your  family.  My  colleagues  and  friends  kindly 
salute  you.     My  best  wishes  to  your  fellow  pastors. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 


CCCCXL.—  To  BULLINGER.1 

He  invokes  the  officious  intervention  of  Bullinger,  with  the  magistrates  of  Zurich,  m 
order  to  put  them  on  their  guard  against  the  intrigues  of  the  fugitive  Libertins . 

Genetva,  30th  July  1556. 

The  persons  who  will  deliver  to  you  this  letter  are  honest 
and  upright;  you  may  safely  communicate  to  them  whatever 
you  wish  me  to  know.  For  affairs,  it  will  not  be  so  proper 
to  treat  of  them  in  a  letter.  Both  of  them  are  my  intimate 
friends.  The  one  of  them,  whose  wife  was  a  sister  of  our 
friend  Bude",  I  see  more  frequently,  because  since  his  widow- 

1  After  the  struggle  with  arms  in  their  hands  on  the  public  place,  against  the  Liber- 
tins of  Geneva,  commenced  a  Dew  struggle  in  the  arena  of  diplomacy.  The  last 
leaders  of  this  party,  Perrin,  Vandel,  Bertbelier,  skilfully  availing  themselves  of  the 
bad  intelligence  that  reigned  between  Berne  and  Geneva,  demanded  a  safe  conduct  to 
come  and  justify  themselves  before  the  magistrates  of  their  country.  To  subscribe  to 
their  demand  was  to  expose  the  Republic,  now  pacified,  to  new  agitations.  The  only 
answer  the  magistrates  gave  them,  was  to  maintain  the  sentence  of  death  pronounced 
against  Perrin  and  his  adherents,  and  to  interdict  by  the  severest  penalties  their  re- 
call.    Roset,  Chronique,  vi.  4 ;  Ruchat,  torn.  vi.  p.  144. 


1556.]  BULLINGER.  287 

hood  he  has  contracted  a  fixed  melancholy ;  I  have  advised 
him  to  visit  you,  which  I  know  he  wished  some  time  ago  to 
do.     I  hoped  that  this  excursion  would  contribute  a  little  to 
divert  his  thoughts  from  his  affliction,  though  I  did  not  con- 
ceal from  him  that  my  advice  had  another  object.     For  since 
it  is  well  known  that  our  condemned  fugitives  have  lately 
been  plotting  something  in  the  Swiss  Diet,  it  gives  us  much 
uneasiness  not  to  know  how  they  were  received  and  what  they 
obtained.     We  have  read  indeed  a  writing  filled  with  atrocious 
outrages  and  base  falsehoods  against  our  senate,  but  what  we 
are  most  anxious  to  know  is,  whether  any  hopes  are  held  out 
to  them,  or  if  their  accusations  were  listened  to  by  the  depu- 
ties of  the  states;  and   though  we  are  confident   that   they 
brought  away  with  them  the  refusal  which  they  deserved,  not 
without  disgrace  and  ridicule,  nevertheless  the  state  of  sus- 
pense in  which  our  expectations  are  held  keeps  us  very  un- 
easy.    For  these  reasons  this  opportunity  was  eagerly  seized 
by  me,  that  our  friend  might  inform  us  about  the  whole  trans- 
action and  its  results.     Another  reason  disposed  me  still  more 
to  urge  him  to  this  journey,  which  is,  that  all  the  most  intelli- 
gent persons  of  our  council  were  desirous  that  such  unworthy 
calumnies   should   be  exposed;   but  we  are  of  opinion  that 
nothing  should  be  attempted  without  advice,  and  your  Burgo- 
master will,  in   his  wisdom,  best  explain  to  us  in  one  word 
what  may  be  worth  while  to  be  done.     From  his  friendly  dis- 
positions towards  us,  he  will  not  hesitate,  we  think,  to  render 
us  this  service.     We  thought  proper  thus  briefly  to  inform 
you  beforehand  that  it  had  come  to  our  ears  from  popular  re- 
ports, that  those  exiles  had  at  Baden   falsely  and  maliciously 
complained  of  our  senate,  and  at  last  a  paper  was  brought  to 
us  made  up  of  the  most  monstrous  but  no  less  treacherous 
falsehoods.     And  though  our   council   make   no    doubt  that 
this  writing  was  repudiated   indignantly  as  it  deserved,  by 
grave  and  moderate  men  ;  and  though  they  are  also  persuaded 
that  the  Helvetian  States,  as  their  international  law  and  the 
mutual  relations  between  the  magistrates  require,  will  be  more 
disposed  to  check  this  insolence  than  to  pay  attention  to  ac- 
cusations brought  forward  by  vagabonds  and  worthless  scoun- 


288  BULLINGER.  [1556. 

drels ;  nevertheless  not  for  the  sake  of  their  own  defence, 
which  would  be  quite  superfluous,  but  that  they  may  preserve 
their  reputation  unspotted,  they  think  it  right  with  the  most 
perfect  good  faith  to  set  forth  a  true  account  of  the  whole 
transaction.  Now  it  occurs  to  us  that  there  are  two  ways  of 
giving  publicity  to  this  writing,  for  to  send  an  ambassador  to 
Baden  to  plead  our  cause  seems  unworthy  of  the  dignity  of 
our  city.  First,  then,  it  seemed  proper  that  copies  of  it  should 
be  dispatched  by  friends  in  all  directions  with  some  words  of 
recommendation,  that  the  council  of  each  state  might  under- 
stand that  it  contained  nothing  frivolous,  and  the  authority  of 
your  Burgomaster,  or  even  of  your  illustrious  council,  was  to 
be  called  in  to  our  aid.  The  second  manner,  however,  is  the 
one  approved  of,  if  indeed  it  meet  with  your  approbation.  It 
is  that  a  man  should  be  dispatched  in  the  name  of  the  council 
to  each  of  the  cities,  to  present  one  copy,  accompanied  with  a 
letter,  in  which  we  beg  that  its  senators  should  deign  to  read 
it.  For  in  this  manner  some  answer  will  also  be  drawn  from 
them.  Moreover  the  refutation  of  their  calumnies  will  cost 
us  no  trouble,  for  they  have  had  the  audacity  to  lie  so  impu- 
dently, and  with  so  little  colour  of  probability,  that  three 
words  will  suffice  to  cover  them  with  ridicule.  In  so  grave  a 
matter,  I  personally  implore  your  fidelity,  favour,  influence, 
and  exertions,  that  our  friend  may  bring  back  your  decision 
and  that  of  your  Burgomaster.  But  as  he  has  no  acquaint- 
ances among  you,  you  will  have  the  goodness  to  procure  him 
an  audience.  Eespecting  our  own  affairs,  our  messenger  will 
give  you  an  account.  My  colleagues  respectfully  salute  you. 
They  have  charged  me  to  write  you  that  we  have  been  told 
that  there  is  at  present  living  among  you  an  individual  from 
the  province  of  Limousin,  which  is  a  district  of  France  bor- 
dering on  Auvergne  and  Perigeux,  a  man  of  tall  stature,  thin 
and  reddish  beard,  full  and  corpulent  habit  of  body,  and  of  a 
livid  rather  than  fair  complexion.  This  man,  we  are  grieved 
to  hear,  has  imposed  on  you.  He  is  even  reported  to  have 
married  a  wife  among  you.  If  this  is  true,  he  is  now  a  triga- 
mist.  When  he  came  here,  about  five  years  ago,  he  brought 
with  him  a  woman  who  passed  for  his  wife,  till  after  a  some- 


1556.]  RODOLPH  GUALTER.  239 

what  prolonged  absence,  it  was  discovered  and  proved,  by  the 
most  undoubted  evidence,  that  he  had  been  already  married  to 
another.  And  yet  he  was  one  of  those  who,  in  the  lustrative 
sacrifices  of  the  Pope,  let  out  their  daily  services  for  the  cele- 
bration of  the  mass.  But  in  reality  he  is  a  swindler  and  a 
cheater  of  his  creditors,  of  whom  I  am  one.  And  yet  this 
fellow  gave  out  publicly  that  I  was  a  usurer  in  France.  What 
I  write  to  you,  if  you  require  it,  I  shall  take  care  to  send  you 
proofs  of,  attested  by  public  documents. 

Again,  farewell,  most  excellent  sir,  and  highly  respected 
brother.  My  best  wishes  to  M.  Gualter,  your  son-in-law,  and 
the  rest  of  your  brethren.  May  the  Lord  bless  you  and  your 
family,  and  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  even  unto  the  end. — 
Yours,  John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  copy. — Arch.  Eccl.  of  Berne.    Tom.  YI.  p.  516.] 


CCCCXLL— To  Rodolph  Gualter.1 

Recommendation  of  a  school-boy — destruction  of  the  spire  of  the  church  of  St.  Peter 

at  Geneva. 

Geneva,  15?^  August  1556. 

The  father  of  this  lad  who  will  give  you  my  letter  is  a  man 
of  senatorian  rank,  but  of  limited  fortune.  For  that  reason  he 
wishes  his  son  to  be  educated  in  your  city  at  small  expense, 
that  he  may  acquire  your  language  while  he  prosecutes  at  the 
same  time  his  studies  in  polite  letters.  Now  though  I  am 
unwilling  to  give  you  trouble,  yet  I  could  not  avoid  promising 
my  friend  that  I  would  give  his  son  a  letter  of  recommenda- 
tion. I  entreat  you  then,  as  far  as  your  convenience  will  per- 
mit, to  direct  the  boy  by  your  advice,  and  aid  him  if  need  be 
with  your  influence  and  favour.  I  think  it  superfluous  to 
write  to  our  friend  Frisius,  provided  you  do  not  account  it 
burdensome  to  recommend  the  lad  in  my  name.     I  am  sorry 

1  One  of  the  most  eminent  pastors  and  professors  of  Zurich.     He  published  learned 
works  on  the  Old  and  New  Testament,  and  died  in  1586.     A  son  named  like  his  father, 
Rodolph  Gualter,  and  like  him  a  pastor  of  Zurich,  preceded  him  to  the  tomb.     Melchior 
Adam,  Vitm  Tkeol.  Germ.  p.  592. 
37 


290  RODOLPH    GUALTKR.  [1556. 

that  the  scoundrel  who  had  already  imposed  on  you  so 
knavishly  has  escaped,  for  he  will  not  fail  to  play  the  same 
roguish  tricks  wherever  he  goes.  There  is  even  a  danger, 
should  he  return  to  the  Popish  church,  that  he  may  by  his 
intrigues  hatch  much  mischief,  as  is  the  wont  of  turncoats,  to 
the  detriment  of  our  brethren.  But  lest  he  should  beget  ill- 
will  towards  you  among  foreigners,  which  is  what  you  your- 
selves apprehended,  his  whole  conduct  must  be  exposed. 
Impunity  would  produce  greater  hostility  than  if  he  were 
dragged  to  execution.  As  his  punishment  is  however  no 
longer  in  your  power,  you  will  receive  at  least  from  the 
secretary  of  our  council  such  evidence  as  will  be  amply  suffi- 
cient for  procuring  his  divorce.  I  wish  that  in  accomplishing 
the  offices  of  friendship  towards  you,  I  may  have  in  future  a 
more  agreeable  subject.  However,  whatever  should  fall  out 
in  which  you  require  my  services,  you  may  always  fully  count 
on  them.  Last  Monday,  a  spire  which  rises  in  a  conical  shape 
to  a  considerable  height  above  the  top  of  one  of  our  churches, 
being  struck  by  lightning  a  little  below  the  roof,  afforded  us 
a  sad  and  terrible  spectacle  during  four  hours.  For  on  account 
of  its  height  and  narrowness,  there  was  no  means  of  extin- 
guishing the  fire.  We  had  thus  to  wait  till  the  highest  part 
of  it,  measuring  fifteen  cubits  or  more,  fell  of  its  own 
accord.  The  remaining  part  then  burnt  down  to  the  square 
tower,  which  served  for  a  belfry,  and  in  which  the  crock  was 
situated.  The  Lord,  however,  has  dealt  mercifully  with  us, 
since  it  seemed  good  to  him  to  retrench  that  part  alone  which 
was  superfluous.  For,  while  with  great  perseverance  and  no 
less  courage,  a  great  many  persons  made  every  effort  to  bring 
help,  you  would  have  said  that  the  fire  had  made  a  point  of 
not  touching  any  part  of  the  building  which  would  have  oc- 
casioned a  serious  loss. 

Farewell,  most  excellent  sir,  and  very  estimable  brother. 
May  the  Lord  always  stand  by  you,  govern  you  by  his  Spirit, 
bless  your  labours  and  protect  your  family.  Salute  in  my 
name  Zwingli,  Leverus,  M.  Wolf,  M.  Frisius,  and  the  others. — 
Yours,  John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Zurich.     Coll.  Hottinger,  F.  42,  7.] 


1556.]  VIRET.  291 


CCCCXLIL— To  Viret.1 

Preparations  for  his  departure  for  Frankfort. 

Geneva,  21s*  August  1556. 

Since  necessity  urges  me,  and  Clauburger  having  changed  his 
opinion,  now  approves  of  my  journey,  I  have  it  no  longer  in 
my  power  to  decline  this  labour.  The  senate  also  and  my 
colleagues  have  made  a  point  of  throwing  no  obstacles  in  my 
way.  Next  Wednesday  evening  then  I  shall  be  with  you.  I 
am  perplexed  with  doubts  about  the  route  I  shall  afterwards 
select.  If  I  pass  by  Farel's,  I  must  quit  my  fellow-travellers 
who  are  going  to  the  fair,  which  is  an  inconvenience  that  I 
by  no  means  make  light  of;  but  any  thing  rather  than  miss  an 
opportunity  of  seeing  our  dear  friend  Farel.  To  ask  him  to 
meet  us  on  the  road,  would  not  be  very  polite.  And  as  to 
what  he  said  about  accompanying  me  in  my  journey,  it  is  not 
fitting  that  he  should  undergo  so  much  fatigue  with  small  ad- 
vantage, and  moreover  not  without  danger.  The  plague,  as  I 
hear,  is  raging  there.  The  expenses  of  the  journey  will  be 
what  he  can  afford,  but  it  is  the  trouble  which  I  dread.  For 
what  purpose,  should  the  pious  old  man  expose  himself  to 
dangers,  and  bring  on  himself  excessive  fatigue?  Do  you, 
however,  decide,  since  I  have  no  leisure  for  writing  to  him 
just  now.  When  I  arrive  among  you,  I  shall  comply  with 
what  you  deem  most  expedient.  If  M.  Eustace  thinks  of 
taking  the  journey,  as  I  hope,  he  will  be  at  Berne  before  I 
reach  you.  You  will  therefore  keep  by  you,  the  letters  of 
Valeran  and  the  elders,  when  you  have  shewn  their  contents, 

1  Calvin  was  on  the  point  of  starting  from  Geneva  to  go  to  Frankfort.  As  we  see 
by  the  Register  of  the  Council,  20th  August  1556  :  "  M.  Calvin  being  entreated  to  re- 
pair to  Frankfort,  to  try  to  appease  great  troubles  which  had  arisen  in  the  church  of 
the  said  city,  demands  a  leave  of  absence  from  the  council  in  order  to  go  there,  which 
is  granted  to  him  with  a  request  that  he  will  return  as  soon  as  possible,  and  according 
him,  if  he  desires  it,  a  seigneur  of  the  council  to  keep  him  company,  and  a  servant  of 
the  town  for  his  service."  The  \2tJi  October  following,  Calvin  came  back  and  thanked 
the  Seigneurs  of  Geneva,  "  for  the  herald  which  they  had  given  him  for  his  service." 


292  THE   SEIGNEURS   OF   GENEVA.  [1556. 

for  I  suspect  that  it  will  be  very  important  for  me  to  take 
them  along  with  me. 

Farewell,  my  most  excellent  and  upright  brother.  We  shall 
talk  of  your  health  when  I  pass  by.  Kindest  wishes  to 
M.  Beza  and  other  friends.  May  the  Lord  keep  you  all  in 
safety. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

\Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.    Yol.  107  a.] 


CCCCXLIII. — To  the  Seigneurs  of  Geneva.1 

Reports  respecting  the  proceedings  of  the  refugees. 

BAle,  ZOth  August  1556. 

Eight  worshipful  and  honourable  Seigneurs, — 
Having  found  here  a  messenger  upon  whom  I  can  count,  I 
have  been  unwilling  to  neglect  acquitting  myself  of  my  duty. 
This  morning,  by  the  grace  of  God,  we  arrived  in  safety  at 
Bale.  We  have  let  our  horses  repose  the  rest  of  the  day.  In 
the  mean  time  I  have  been  to  visit  the  Sieur  Bertrand  Maior, 
at  present  Burgomaster,  to  whom  I  communicated  your  recom- 
mendation. Passing  by  Payerne  I  had  heard  of  some  com- 
plaints of  the  blackamoor.2  He  declares  that  you  had  perfectly 
well  shewn  that  there  was  no  motive  for  condemning  them, 
because  you  had  made  some  investigations  secretly  communi- 
cating to  a  very  few  people,  after  having  intimidated  them, 
that  Perrin  and  Vandel  with  their  adherents  were  bad  men, 
and  thereupon  you  had  founded  a  new  process  to  be  produced 
at  Baden.3  At  Soleure  the  report  is  current  that  great  prepa- 
rations are  to  be  made,  after  the  next  sitting,  to  collect  inter- 
cessors. This  rumour,  I  believe,  has  been  spread  by  your 
fugitives   to  keep  up  their  credit.     Your  people  have  been 

1  Calvin  repairing  to  Frankfort,  (August  1556,)  picked  up  on  his  road,  all  the 
rumours  that  were  afloat  respecting  the  proceedings  of  the  refugees,  and  informed  the 
Seigneurs  of  Geneva  of  them. 

a  Perrin,  to  whom  he  gives  this  nickname  on  account  of  his  swarthy  complexion. 

3  Baden  in  Argovia.  The  meeting  of  the  Swiss  Ligues  was  on  the  point  of  assembling 
in  this  city. 


1556.]  MELAXCHTHOX.  293 

here,  and  this  afternoon  letters  are  arrived  from  Zurich,  from 
which  I  have  learned  that  they  had  already  passed  by  there. 
To-morrow  we  shall  depart,  God  willing,  to  finish  our  journey. 
Whereupon,  right  worshipful  and  honourable  Seigneurs, 
having  humbly  commended  me  to  your  seigneuries,  I  pray  our 
heavenly  Father  to  have  you  always  in  his  grace,  to  guide  you 
by  his  Spirit  in  all  good,  to  serve  him  alone,  and  to  have  your 
city  under  his  protection.  Your  humble  servant. 

[Fr.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Geneva,  1250-] 


CCCCXLIV.— To  Melanchthox.1 

Necessity  of  a  conference  to  terminate  the  religious  differences  of  Germany. 

Frankfort,  \lth  September  1556. 

I  have  been  dragged  hither  by  the  dissensions  with  which 
Satan  has  rent,  for  nearly  two  years,  the  little  French  church 
established  here,  and  reduced  to  such  extremities  that  it  must 
have  disappeared,  unless  some  remedy  had  been  very  promptly 
applied.  Since  I  entered  the  town  I  have  not  had  a  moment's 
repose,  and  as  if  I  had  not  had  sufficient  occupation  in  this 
affair,  a  madman  called  Velsius,2  to  whom  you  had  written 
twice,  involved  us  in  new  fooleries.  But  we  have  devoted 
only  two  days  to  this  importunity.  I  am  continually  distracted 
up  to  this  moment,  in  appeasing  those  dissensions  which,  from 
the  long  lapse  of  time,  have  struck  deep  root.  You  will  there- 
fore excuse  the  brevity  of  my  letter,  for  when  I  came  in  to 
supper  I  was  told  that  the  messenger  was  to  leave  this  the  fol- 
lowing morning.  Though  indeed  I  am  less  anxious  about  so- 
liciting your  pardon,  because  from  your  silence  I  conclude  that 
you  feel  no  great  desire  to  receive  a  letter  from  me.  And  yet 
I  am  so  convinced,  not  only  of  your  equity,  but  also  of  your 

1  We  see  by  a  letter  of  Calvin  to  Melancthon,  of  the  3d  August  1557,  that  the  latter 
long  kept  silence  with  respect  to  the  Reformer  of  Geneva,  who,  profiting  by  his  pre- 
sence at  Frankfort,  pressed  him  to  explain  himself,  and  to  co-operate  heartily  in  paci- 
fying the  dissensions  raised  by  Westphal. 

a  A  Flemish  anabaptist,  who,  by  his  preaching  and  writing,  disturbed  more  than 
once  the  church  of  Frankfort. 


294  MELANCHTHON.  [1556. 

true  and  sincere  affection  for  rne,  that  I  cannot  doubt  but  my 
courtesy  in  this  respect  is  agreeable  to  you.  Since  I  have 
been  here  I  have  learned  from  some  letters  of  yours  to  your 
friends,  how  much  you  are  tormented  by  the  savage  ferocity 
of  those  men  who  feed  upon  quarrels  and  contentions,  not 
without  deadly  detriment  to  the  church.  But  though  certain 
individuals  put  your  patience  to  the  proof  in  private,  yet  in 
consideration  of  your  piety  and  the  prevailing  evils,  I  am  of 
opinion  that  you  should  be  more  deeply  affected,  and  preserve 
your  anguish  of  mind  much  longer.  Lest  then  so  much  fury 
should  assail  us  any  longer  with  impunity,  the  remedy  which 
I  am  overjoyed  to  think  pleases  you  must  be  applied.  And 
a  convention  is  so  much  the  more  to  be  desired  by  us,  as  these 
men  more  obstinately  reject  it,  or  rather  as  they  with  greater 
rage  recoil  from  it.'  It  was  indeed  the  business  of  the  princes 
to  drag  them  to  it,  since  they  will  not  of  their  own  accord  ac- 
cede to  it.  But  while  some  of  the  princes,  perhaps  too  much 
occupied  with  other  matters,  procrastinate,  and  the  fear  of  in- 
curring odium  keeps  back  others,  you  judge  well  and  wisely 
that  the  assembly  should  be  set  on  foot  by  private  counsels, 
provided  we  put  in  execution  what  you  have  written  with  so 
much  good  sense,  nor  should  we  wait  till  a  great  many  join  us 
But  when  you  have  raised  the  standard,  those  who  have  the 
tranquillity  of  the  church  at  heart  will  flock  round  it.  I  wish 
you  had  gone  to  the  Palatine,  for  it  would  have  been  highly 
expedient  that  he  had  been  directed  in  the  beginning  by  good 
and  sound  counsels.  But  should  an  opportunity  present  it- 
self, it  is  better  late  than  never.  Whatever  you  shall  decide 
upon,  I  beg  and  entreat  of  you,  let  me  know. 

Farewell,  most  accomplished  sir,  whom  I  respect  with  all 
my  heart.     May  the  Lord  always  support  you  by  his  power, 
govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  and  shield  you  with  his  protection. 
Salute  my  friends,  if  I  have  any,  in  your  quarter  of  the  world. 
— Yours,  John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  Minute. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 

1  A  synod  assembled  at  Nuremberg,  with  the  approbation  of  Augustus  Elector  of 
Saxony,  condemned  in  1556  the  exaggerations  of  Westphal,  to  which  were  soon  to 
succeed  the  violent  attacks  of  Flacius  Illyricus  against  the  doctrine  of  the  Helvetio 
churches.     Melchior  Adam,  Vita  Melanchthonis,  p.  348,  349. 


1556.]  Justus  jonas.  295 


CCCCXLV.— To  Justus  Jonas.1 

Translation  of  a  writing  of  Calvin's— wishes  for  the  pacification  of  theological  dis- 
cords. 

Frankfort,  17th  September  1556. 

When  I  was  informed  that  the  little  French  church  to  which 
an   asylum  has  been   granted  in  this  city   was  in  extreme 
jeopardy,  and  my  brethren  besought  me  to  hasten  to  quench 
the  flames  of  discord,  I  suddenly  undertook  the  journey.     But 
as  if  it  had  not  been  enough  to  be  distracted  by  so  trouble- 
some a  business,  I  have  also  been  taken  up  with  other  frivo- 
lous matters.     Assuredly  I  have  scarcely  an  hour  at  my  own 
disposal,  so  that  I  have  the  greatest  wish  to  return  to  my  old 
work-house,  in  order  to  enjoy  a  little  relaxation.     You  will 
then  excuse  me  if  I  answer  you  so  briefly.     For  as  your  letter 
was  exceedingly  agreeable  to  me,  I  should  willingly  have  tes- 
tified in  writing  how  much  my  conversations  with  you  benefit 
and  charm  me.     That  you  are  ready  to  undertake  a  translation 
of  my  little  tract2  is  welcome  news  indeed.     But  though  in 
undertaking  of  your  own  accord  this  task,  you  have  afforded 
me  the  most  delightful  token  of  your  affection,  yet  I  am  sorry 
for  one  thing,  namely,  that  in  waiting  for  my  opinion  on  that 
subject,  you   have   incurred   a   loss  of  time.     For  had    you 
promptly  executed  your  design,  what  boorishness,  or  rather 
what  downright  rudeness  it  would  have  been,  not  to  approve 
of  a  labour  in  my  opinion  so  judiciously  employed !     But  since 
you  have  demurred  longer  than  I  could  have  wished,  I  entreat 
you  to  make  up  by  your  sedulity  for  this  loss  of  time.     The 

1  The  most  friendly  relations  united  Justus  Jonas  to  Calvin.  The  Reformer  having 
addressed  to  him  some  of  his  writings,  Jonas  hastened  to  testify  to  him  his  gratitude  : 
"  But  because,"  said  he,  "  I  have  dreaded  hitherto  to  din  your  learned  ears  with  my 
rude  and  barbarous  style,  you  will  pardon  I  hope  my  modesty,  and  for  that  reason 
this  letter,  though  unpolished,  will  be  the  more  agreeable  to  you,  that  the  greatness 
of  my  affection  for  you  has  wrung  it  from  me  against  my  will.  For  I  would  have  you 
to  entertain  this  opinion  of  me,  that  Calvin  is  dearer  to  me  even  than  myself."  May 
1556. 

8  No  doubt  the  second  reply  to  Westphal. 


296  AMBASSADORS   OF   THE   LIGUES.  [1556. 

fury  of  these  men,  as  I  see,  is  implacable.  Neither  by  caresses 
nor  mild  treatment  can  we  hope  to  bring  them  to  anything 
like  fair  dealing.  Since  then  it  is  impossible  to  appease  them, 
the  only  resource  that  remains  to  us  is  to  show  up  both  their 
ignorance  and  pomposity.  You  have  cleverly  pointed  out  their 
artifices,  with  what  effrontery  they  give  themselves  airs  among 
the  common  people,  where  they  run  no  risk  in  babbling  any 
nonsense  on  subjects  they  do  not  understand.  I  wish  the 
princes  would  make  up  their  minds  to  take  some  measures  for 
holding  a  convention.  My  second  desire  is  that  some  pious 
doctors,  lovers  of  peace,  would  meet  together  for  a  friendly 
conference.  Meanwhile  it  is  our  duty  to  see  that  the  truth 
be  not  left  among  ignorant  men  without  a  legitimate  defence. 
Farewell,  most  accomplished  and  highly  respected  sir.  May 
the  Lord  always  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  sustain  you  by  his 
power,  and  accompany  you  with  every  blessing.  Salute  in 
my  name  the  friends  I  have  among  you.  My  associates  salute 
you,  among  whom  are  to  be  reckoned  a  son  and  a  son-in-law 
of  Bucer,  Eobert  and  Stephen. — Yours  truly, 

John  Calvin. 

\Lat.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Yol.  107  a.] 


CCCCXLVL— To  the  Ambassadors  of  the  Ligues.1 

Answer  to  a  demand  of  the  diet  of  Baden  concerning  the  Refugees. 

Geneva,  25th  October  1 350. 

Eight  "worshipful,  noble,  wise,  and  most  honourable 
seigneurs,  good  neighbours,  and  friends,  we  have  received 

1  Here  is  the  title  of  this  letter,  written  by  Colvin  himself  in  the  name  of  the  Seig- 
neurs of  Geneva:  Messieurs  of  Geneva  to  the  Ambassadors  of  the  "Ligues"  assembled 
in  the  Session  at  Baden,  which  was  opened  the  11th  October,  about  the  demand  made 
by  them  for  the  condemned  criminals  of  this  city. 

The  refugees  of  Geneva  had  presented  themselves  before  the  Assembly  of  Baden, 
protesting  their  innocence,  and  asking  a  safe  conduct  in  order  to  justify  themselves 
before  the  magistrates  of  their  country.  Informed  of  these  proceedings,  and  yielding 
to  the  counsels  of  Calvin,  the  Genevese  sent  deputies  to  the  diet  to  inform  the  cantons 
of  the  truth.  The  cantons  having  heard  them,  testified  their  satisfaction,  and  judged 
that  Messieurs  of  Geneva  had  conducted  themselves  on  this  occasion   like  good  and 


1556.]  AMBASSADORS   OF    THE    LIGUES.  297 

your  letter,  dated  from  Bale  the  15th  October,  in  which  you 
beg,  at  the  request  of  certain  persons,  formerly  citizens  of  our 
town,  that  we  should  consent  to  give  them  a  safe  conduct  to 
enable  them  to  come  and  vindicate  themselves  from  the  charge 
of  crimes  that  have  been  imputed  to  them. 

For  answer,  we  entreat  you  to  have  this  opinion  of  us;  that, 
considering  the  terms  of  friendship  and  good  neighbourhood 
on  which  we  stand  with  the  noble  and  puissant  seigneurs  of 
the  Ligues,  the  kindness  they  have  always  shown  us,  the  ad- 
vantages and  pleasure  we  have  always  received  from  them,  and 
which  we  hope  still  to  receive,  it  is  our  most  earnest  desire 
as  much  as  possible  to  gratify  them  in  everything  and  every- 
where; and  as  far  as  our  slight  power  extends,  we  will  strive 
to  shew  by  deeds  that  they  have  in  us  good  neighbours,  who 
ask  for  nothing  better  than  to  do  them  service,  and  shew  them 
every  mark  of  complaisance.  Wherefore  we  should  have 
greatly  desired,  that  some  good  opportunity  had  presented  it- 
self of  requiring  of  us  something  more  favourable,  and  which 
we  could  have  granted,  without  the  risk  of  great  imprudence. 
For  in  that  case  we  should  not  have  hesitated  to  satisfy  their 
wishes,  and  it  gives  us  much  pain  to  be  forced  in  the  present 
instance  to  make  our  excuses  to  you  for  not  complying  with 
your  demand.  Indeed  we  expect  this  much  of  your  prudence 
and  humanity,  that  having  heard  the  reasons  for  our  refusal, 
you  will  not  be  offended  at  our  answer,  but  will  receive  it 
with  indulgence,  and  hold  yourselves  satisfied  by  it.  For  we 
doubt  not  but  you,  and  in  general  the  worshipful  seigneurs  of 
the  Ligues,  desire  that  the  state  of  our  city  should  remain  un- 
changed, and  are  far  from  wishing  to  be  the  cause  of  any 
troubles  or  vexations  that  might  happen  to  us,  or  rather  that 

prudent  magistrates,  for  the  honour  of  whom  they  should  always  interest  themselves. 
Not  wishing,  however,  to  dismiss  the  fugitives  without  granting  them  something,  they 
demanded  that  they  should  grant  them  as  a  special  favour  the  safe  conduct  which  they 
asked.  The  deputies  of  Geneva  begged  politely  to  be  excused  for  not  according  their 
request,  and  the  cantons  received  their  excuse."  Ruchat,  torn.  vi.  p.  1S6.  Disap- 
pointed in  the  result  of  their  complaints  before  the  Lir/ues,  the  refugees  carried  them 
before  the  Seigneury  of  Berne,  who  vainly  interceded  in  their  favour.  Piqued  by 
the  fruitlessness  of  their  proceedings,  the  Bernese  conceived  an  ill-humour  against 
Geneva,  and  the  question  of  the  refugees  became  a  subject  of  discord  between  the  two 
cities. 

38 


298  AMBASSADORS    OF   THE   LIGUES.  [1556. 

you  would  have  pleasure  in  aiding  and  serving  us  in  all  our 
necessities.  Now  there  can  be  no  doubt,  that  to  grant  a  safe 
conduct  to  those  who,  to  escape  from  the  punishment  of  their 
crimes,  have  become  runaways,  would  be  opening  up  a  way  for 
too  great  licentiousness,  and  rendering  almost  null  the  author- 
ity of  justice.  Especially  when  we  reflect  that  those  who  have 
required  you  to  intercede  for  them  have  long  occasioned  much 
trouble  and  confusion  in  our  city  by  their  audacity  and  rash- 
ness, so  that  you  may  readily  believe  that  their  purpose  is 
not  so  much  to  justify  themselves,  a  thing  impossible  more- 
over, but  to  essay,  if  it  were  in  their  power,  to  stir  up  some 
sedition,  in  order  to  ruin  us  all.  And  in  fact,  we  perceive  by 
your  letters  that  they  have  not  given  you  correct  information, 
in  saying  that  they  were  driven  forth  from  our  city.  For 
knowing  that  their  cause  was  being  examined  in  our  council, 
called  that  of  the  two  hundred,  consulting  only  their  guilty 
conscience  they  took  to  flight,  and  after  having  been  sum- 
moned by  proclamation  several  times,  not  only  they  did  not 
present  themselves,  but  by  deeds  and  words  insulted  all  our 
citizens,  declaring  themselves  the  enemies  of  our  city  and 
commonwealth.  And  they  have  persisted  in  the  same  inso- 
lent conduct  even  after  having  assumed  the  character  of  pro- 
phets before  you,  whence  you  may  judge  that  they  have  abused 
your  lenity  and  good  nature,  since  they  have  broken  out  into 
such  transports  against  those  to  whom  they  beg  you  to  send 
a  request  in  their  favour. 

And  since  they  have  induced  you  to  believe,  that,  having 
obtained  by  your  means  a  safe  conduct,  they  would  make  it 
their  business  so  to  comport  themselves  as  to  satisfy  every- 
body, were  it  but  from  respect  to  you,  they  ought  to  have,  in 
waiting  for  the  result,  carried  themselves  with  greater  modesty. 
But  God,  whose  long-suffering  has  endured  them,  now  lets 
them  be  known  for  what  they  are.  And  on  your  part  let  us 
hope,  noble  and  wise  seigneurs,  that,  aware  of  this  fact,  you 
will  conclude  that  they  do  not  deserve  that  even  persons 
inferior  to  you  should  interfere  in  their  behalf.  We  are, 
moreover,  persuaded  that  the  right  worshipful,  the  councils  of 
the  Ligues,  having  been  recently  informed  of  the  truth  of  the 


1556.]  BULLINGER.  299 

fact,  will  know  how  to  appreciate  it ;  and  though  they  so  far 
yielded  to  importunity  as  to  cause  you  to  forward  a  request  to 
us,  yet  would  they  by  no  means  wish  to  see  us  involved  in 
danger  or  trouble.  Ou  the  other  hand,  as  a  sufficiently  long 
term  had  been  allowed  them  to  present  themselves  to  justice, 
of  which  they  did  not  avail  themselves,  they  were  condemned 
by  default.  We  beg  you  to  reflect,  if  now  it  is  possible  to 
retract  these  sentences,  and  admit  the  delinquents  to  a  new 
trial,  without  violating  every  rule  of  justice.  Wherefore  we 
again  entreat  you  to  hold  us  excused,  if  we  cannot  introduce 
into  our  city  a  precedent  which  was  never  good,  and  give  a 
license  to  people  that  we  know  to  be  of  abandoned  life,  to 
come  here  with  the  design  of  raising  disorders ;  considering 
that  the  misdeeds  for  which  they  were  condemned  are  suffi- 
ciently notorious,  and  have  been  made  public,  while  it  was  in 
their  power  at  the  same  time  to  reply,  had  they  not  felt  that 
they  were  guilty.  For  the  rest  we  beg  you  to  remind  the 
right  worshipful  seigneurs  of  the  Ligues,  your  superiors,  that 
whatever  it  shall  please  them  to  require  of  us,  and  which  shall 
be  at  the  same  time  in  our  power  to  perform,  they  will  always 
find  us  ready,  as  we  have  declared,  to  devote  ourselves  to  their 
service,  and  comply  with  their  just  desires. 

Whereupon  we  desire  to  be  humbly  commended  to  their 
kind  favour,  and  to  your  own,  praying  God  that  he  would  be 
pleased  to  have  you  in  his  holy  keeping,  and  increase  you  in 
all  good  and  prosperity. 

[Fi:  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Portfolio  A.] 


CCCCXLVIL— To  Bullinger.1 

New  proceedings  to  bring  about  a  reconciliation  between  Berne  and  Geneva. 

Geneva,  24th  November  1556. 

Because  I  am  aware  that  the  state  of  our  city  is  no  less  the 
object  of  your   solicitude   than    if  you  were    in   my  place, 

1  The  rupture  of  the  alliance,  between  Berne  and  Geneva,  placed  in  a  dangerous 
state  of  isolation  the  Calvinistic  republic,  hardly  pacified  at  home,  and  menaced  on 


300  BULLIXGER.  [1556. 

reverend  brother,  and  that  the  renewal  of  our  league  with  the 
BerDese,  is  what  you  have  particularly  at  heart,  there  is  no 
need  of  my  giving  myself  any  trouble  in  the  recommendation 
of  a  cause,  which  you  yourself  without  any  exhortation  are 
sufficiently  disposed  to  undertake.  Since  my  return  the  minds 
of  our  citizens  have  been  too  often  so  much  exasperated  by 
certain  offences,  that  it  was  no  small  affair  to  appease  or  re- 
strain them.  When,  however,  they  had  been  reminded  that 
if  they  should  again  present  themselves  for  the  purpose  of 
renewing  the  treaty,  the  minds  of  the  adverse  party  would  be 
more  disposed  to  listen  to  reason  than  formerly,  they  tried 
again  to  see  what  reasons  there  might  be  for  this  supposition. 
This  embassy  received  no  answer.  I  need  not  say  how  much 
the  indignity  of  this  slight  offended  our  citizens.  Certainly 
the  fear  of  meeting  with  a  repulse,  deters  them  from  making 
any  more  offers,  so  that  the  only  resource  which  remains  is  to 
try  what  can  be  effected  by  an  embassy  sent  by  you  not  only 
to  Berne,  but  here  also,  to  exhort  the  councils  of  both  states 
and  the  people  also,  to  contract  again  an  alliance  upon  reason- 
able conditions.  This  our  citizens  desire  indeed,  persuaded 
that  it  is  for  their  advantage;  but  they  would  wish  that  a 
complete  silence  should  be  maintained  respecting  their  en- 
treaties for  that  effect,  and  that  it  should  be  represented  simply 
as  the  effect  of  the  wishes  of  three  states,  which  had  been  in- 
duced by  kindly  feelings  and  zeal  for  both  parties  to  send 
ambassadors.  If  this  can  be  obtained,  and  I  hope  it  will  not 
present  any  difficulty,  perhaps  our  neighbours  will  be  ashamed 
to  concede  nothing.  Nay,  unless  I  am  mistaken,  they  desire 
nothing  better  than  to  be  entreated.  I  am  the  more  anxious 
on  this  account  because  I  have  a  shrewd  suspicion  that  certain 
persons  are  tempted  by  alluring  promises  to  seek  for  a  common 
league  of  all  the  states,  in  which  I  think  it  would  be  detrimen- 
tal to  us  to  be  implicated.     And  certainly  our  senate  is  averse 


all  sides  by  the  enmity  of  the  Catholic  powers  abroad,  France,  Savoy,  the  Spaniards. 
Calvin,  invoking  the  mediation  of  the  Seigneurs  of  Zurich,  made  a  new  effort  to  bring 
closer  together  the  two  cities  whoso  union  had  so  powerfully  contributed  to  the  pro- 
gress of  the  gospel  in  Switzerland.  The  treaty  of  alliance  was  not  renewed  before 
1558. 


1556.]  BULLINGER.  301 

to  it.  It  is  better  however  to  be  beforehand,  lest  an  opening 
should  be  afforded  for  a  thing  of  very  doubtful  advantage. 
That  this  step  may  be  better  concealed,  we  have  chosen  this 
brother,  one  of  my  colleagues,  who  is  to  go  directly  to  you, 
and  then  to  Habn,  the  Burgomaster.  And  though  this  letter 
was  written  by  the  order  of  the  senate,  there  are  only  four  of 
us  who  are  in  the  secret  of  the  dispatch  of  this  messenger. 
Nay  the  contents  of  the  letter  itself  are  known  only  to  eight 
individuals,  who  were  entrusted  with  the  writing  of  it.  The 
urgency  of  the  case  calls  on  me  to  implore  your  aid  with  the 
utmost  importunity,  but  as  I  am  not  ignorant  with  what 
hearty  good  will  you  enter  into  it,  I  spare  myself  unnecessary 
trouble.  What  I  asked  you  in  reference  to  the  Italian,  and 
which  you  have  not  found  a  convenient  opportunity  of  answer- 
ing, you  will  now  let  me  know.  I  learn  from  a  letter  of  yours 
addressed  to  the  secretary  of  our  senate  what  you  desire  about 
a  Greek  Concordance  to  the  Old  Testament;  I  too  feel  the  same 
wish.  But  as  far  as  I  can  conjecture,  our  friend  Eobert 
(Etienne)  will  scarcely  be  induced  to  undertake  this  labour ; 
he  has  already  kept  it  back  more  than  a  year  and  a  half,  and 
does  not  seem  yet  disposed  to  prepare  himself  for  publishing. 
Farewell,  most  accomplished  sir,  and  highly  respected 
brother.  May  the  Lord  protect  you  and  your  family,  and  en- 
rich you  with  all  blessings.  Salute  in  my  name  all  your  fellow 
pastors  and  other  friends. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lot.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich.     Gest.  vi.  166,  p.  28.] 


CCCCXLVIIL— To  BULLINGER. 

Recommendation  of  an  Italian  refugee — reforms  in  the  Duchy  of  Baden. 

Geneva,  2§th  November  1556. 

I  have  nothing  to  write  to  you  about,  that  might  not  be 
dispatched  in  three  words.  I  am  obliged  moreover  to  cut  my 
letter  short  in  consequence  of  the  indifferent  state  of  my 
health.     For  the  last  four  days,  I  have  suffered  a  good  deal 


302  THE   FRENCH   CHURCH   OF   ANTWERP.  [1556. 

from  dysentery,  and  even  at  present  it  gives  me  but  little  re- 
laxation. An  Italian  who  has  come  here  with  his  family 
asked  me,  upwards  of  a  month  ago,  whether  it  were  possible 
for  him  to  obtain  civic  rights  among  you,  though  he  did  not 
inhabit  your  territory.  He  has  no  wish  to  change  the  place 
of  his  domicile,  and  he  desires  to  become  a  citizen  of  your 
state  for  no  other  reason  than  to  gratify  his  brethren,  who 
fancy  that  they  will  be  ill  looked  upon,  because  he  has  re- 
tired to  this  place.  I  wished  to  let  you  know  these  things 
distinctly,  that  you  might  not  suppose  that  he  is  cunningly 
attempting  to  catch  at  some  advantage.  He  is  besides  a  man 
of  probity  and  highly  esteemed.  I  beg  of  you,  reverend 
brother,  as  soon  as  you  shall  have  an  opportunity,  to  give  me 
information  on  this  point.  I  am  delighted  to  learn  that  for 
the  reformation  of  the  Duchy  of  Baden,  a  certain  Doctor  James 
Andre"1  has  been  lately  summoned  along  with  Sulzer.  Andre" 
is  a  pious  and  moderate  man,  and  not  disinclined  to  our  party. 
I  certainly  understand  from  a  letter  of  Sulzer  himself,  that  the 
presence  of  Andre  has  been  extremely  advantageous. 

Farewell,  distinguished  sir,  and  honoured  brother.  Do  not 
fail  to  salute  in  my  name  all  your  fellow  pastors.  May  God 
always  govern,  protect,  and  bless  you. 

[Lat.  orig.  aatogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich.     Gest.  vi.  166,  p.  29.] 


CCCCXLIX. — To  the  French  Church  of  Antwerp.2 

He  apologizes  for  his  silence,  and  addresses  to  them  christian  exhortations. 

Geneva,  21st  December  1556. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord 

1  Professor  of  Theology  at  the  University  of  Tubingen.  He  contributed  powerfully 
to  cause  to  be  adopted,  in  the  Duchy  of  Baden,  a  formulary  conformable  to  the  holy 
Scriptures,  and  to  the  principal  points  of  the  confession  of  Augsbourg.  Melchior 
Adam,  p.  639. 

aThe  town  of  Antwerp,  one  of  the  centres  of  the  most  active  commerce  in  Europe 
in  the  XVI.  century,  saw  betimes  the  evangelical  missionaries  flocking  within  its 
walls.  A  French  church,  formed  like  those  of  Wesel  and  Frankfort,  from  the  scat- 
tered remains  of  the  Foreign  Congregation  of  London,  was  established  there  in  1554, 


1556.]      THE  FRENCH  CHURCH  OF  ANTWERP.        303 

Jesus  Christ,  be  always  upon  you,  by  the  communication  of 
the  Holy  Spirit. 

Beloved  Seigneurs  and  Brethren,— I  hope  that  our 
brother,  Monsieur  Francis,  has  presented  you  my  excuses,  be- 
cause in  consequence  of  my  journey  to  Frankfort  in  the  month 
of  September  it  was  not  in  my  power  to  write  to  you.1     Since 
my  return  I  have  been  almost  always  ill ;  not  that  my  malady 
was  continually  an  obstacle,  but  nevertheless,  when  the  oppor- 
tunity of  a  messenger  presented  itself,  it  prevented  me  from 
availing  myself  of  it.     But  for  all  that,  had  I  thought  that 
you  attached  so  much  importance  to  my  letters,  I  should  not 
have  delayed  so  long,  fori  would  willingly  bestow  my  services 
on  you,  even  in  more  important  matters.     As  you  have,  how- 
ever, people  more  at  hand  that  exhort  and  stir  you  up,  it  seems 
to  me  you  have  no  great  need  of  my  letters,  unless  it  be  to 
console  you,  by  showing  what  interest  I  take  in  your  spiritual 
welfare.     For  as  you  have  an  affection  for  me,  I  am  convinced 
that  it  gives  you  pleasure  that  I  keep  you  in  remembrance. 
For  the  rest,  what  you  expect  and  desire  of  me,  you  will  find 
more  at  hand  if  you  seek  for  it  carefully,  that  is  to  say,  if  you 
are  diligent  in  reading  God's  holy  word,  and  exercising  your- 
selves in  the  doctrine  thereof,  and  the  exhortations  drawn  from 
it,  you  will  have  ample  matter  for  confirming  you  in  the  fear 
of  God,  edifying  you  in  the  faith  of  our  Lord  Jesus,  and,  pre- 
serving you  in  such  constancy  that  nothing  will  make  you 
swerve  from  the  right  path.     Only  beware  of  becoming  luke- 
warm, for  you  know  on  what  condition  we  are  called.     On 
the  other  hand,  you  are  aware  by  experience  of  the  means 
which  Satan  possesses  of  seducing  and  leading  you  astray,  if 

by  the  ministry  of  Francis  Perucel.  We  read  in  the  Registers  of  the  Company  of 
Geneva :  "  Church  of  Antwerp,  March  1557.  The  minister  Evrard  was  elected,  and 
sent  to  announce  to  them  the  word  of  God." 

The  Church  of  Antwerp,  soon  increased  by  a  great  number  of  refugees  from  Artois 
and  Picardy,  passed  through  all  the  vicissitudes  of  the  Reformation  in  the  Low  Countries. 
Under  the  ministry  of  the  celebrated  Francis  Junius  it  had  to  suffer  rigorous  persecu- 
tions, which  brought  on  the  momentary  dispersion  of  its  members  (1567)  and  gave 
rise  to  the  foundation  of  the  Church  of  Aix  la  Chapelle,  but  it  was  reconstituted  a 
few  years  afterwards.  See :  Hist,  des  Martyrs,  p.  679  ;  Brant,  Hist,  de  la  Reformation 
des  Pays  Bas,  torn.  i.  pp.  131,  132. 

1  See  the  following  letter. 


304:  THE   FRENCH    CHURCH    OF    ANTWERP.  [1556. 

you  were  not  held  in  check  by  the  bridle  of  God's  word.  For 
however  we  impose  on  ourselves,  if  we  relax  ever  so  short  a 
time,  all  the  knowledge  we  have  acquired  soon  dwindles  away. 
For  we  are  so  full  of  vanities  and  evil  affections  that  these 
will  very  speedily  corrupt  the  good  seed  which  God  has  sown 
in  us,  unless  we  be  constantly  intent  on  cultivating  it,  pluck- 
ing up  the  evil  and  confirming  the  good.  Above  all,  you  live 
in  a  place  where  so  many  corruptions  prevail,  that  unless  you 
have  remedies  constantly  at  hand,  it  will  be  very  difficult  for 
you  to  persevere  in  that  purity  which  he  requires  of  his  own. 
And  I  have  no  doubt  that  each  of  you  sufficiently  feels  in  him- 
self how  Satan  strives  to  turn  to  account  such  occasions.  So 
much  the  more  then,  it  is  for  you  to  fight  against  them.  No 
doubt  it  is  not  all  to  read  and  to  hear,  for  our  chief  end  is  to 
live  to  God  in  all  holiness  and  perfection,  and  though  we  can- 
not persevere  in  that  course,  till  we  be  stripped  of  this  cor- 
ruptible nature,  yet  have  we  to  walk  in  uprightness  of  life, 
and  serve  with  a  pure  conscience  that  God  of  mercy  who  has 
set  us  aside  for  himself.  But  because  with  our  natural  infirmi- 
ties, and  surrounded  by  so  many  temptations,  we  speedily  lose 
sight  of  our  high  calling,  so  as  not  to  acquit  ourselves  of  our 
duty,  and  in  the  meantime  our  natural  inconstancy  transports 
us  hither  and  thither,  we  have  much  need  to  avail  ourselves 
of  the  aids  which  God  has  afforded  us.  "Wherefore,  my 
brethren,  exercise  yourselves  not  only  by  reading  in  private, 
but  also  by  assembling  yourselves  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ, 
in  order  to  call  upon  God  and  receive  profitable  instruction, 
that  you  may  advance  more  and  more.  And  by  this  means 
each  one  will  also  stir  up  his  brethren  to  take  courage,  and 
will  himself  be  stirred  up  by  them.  And  that  nothing  may 
cause  you  to  turn  aside,  think  what  kind  of  a  treasure  the 
gospel  is,  that  you  may  learn  to  despise  whatever  is  of  this 
world.  For  though  Satan  blinds  the  children  of  this  world 
with  their  delights  and  desires,  so  that  they  take  no  pleasure 
in  the  doctrine  of  salvation,  we  ought  not  to  wallow  in  the 
same  sty  along  with  them.  For  verily  it  is  an  inestimable  felicity 
to  be  able  to  rest  in  the  goodness  of  God,  to  obtain  mercy  of 
him,  and  though  we  be  but  wretched  creatures,  in  waiting  till 


1556.]      THE  FRENCH  CHURCH  OF  FRANKFORT.        305 

he  call  us  to  his  eternal  inheritance,  to  hold  ourselves  under 
his  protection  here  below.  Since  by  means  of  the  gospel  we 
are  possessed  of  this  treasure,  let  us  watch  that  it  be  not 
ravished  from  us. 

I  could  wish  that,  besides  the  casual  visits  of  our  brethren, 
you  had  a  man  resident  among  you  for  your  instruction,  that 
you  might  have  recourse  also  to  him  in  all  your  difficulties  ; 
and  I  pray  you  to  strive  to  have  one.  For  the  rest,  my 
brethren,  always  so  walk  amid  this  perverse  generation,  that 
your  life  may  indeed  shew  that  it  is  not  in  vain  that  God  has 
separated  you  from  it.  Dedicate  yourselves  wholly  to  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  till  you  be  entirely  transformed  into  his 
image,  in  order  to  be  participators  of  his  glory ;  and  always 
keep  in  mind  that  we  have  to  pass  through  this  world,  and  not 
to  be  shut  up  in  it. 

Whereupon,  in  conclusion,  beloved  seigneurs  and  brethren, 
having  commended  myself  to  you  and  your  fervent  prayers,  I 
supplicate  our  heavenly  Father  to  govern  you  always  by  his 
Spirit,  to  multiply  in  you  his  grace,  and  fortify  you  in  all 
virtue,  and  preserve  you  from  the  jaws  of  the  wolf. 
Your  humble  brother, 

John  Calvin. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Yol.  107.] 


CCCCL.— The  French  Church  of  Frankfort.1 

Conditional  approbation  given  to  the  choice  of  a  new  minister. 

Geneva,  27th  December  1556. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 

'  The  presence  and  counsels  of  the  Reformer  exercised  a  happy  influence  on  the 
French  parish  of  Frankfort.  The  parties  who  had  up  to  that  time  been  divided,  agreed 
for  the  election  of  a  new  minister,  destined  to  replace  Valeran  Poulain,  who  had 
voluntarily  laid  down  his  office.  The  choice  of  the  church  fell  upon  Francis  Perucel, 
called  la  Riviere,  formerly  minister  of  the  French  churches  of  London  and  of  Wezel. 
He  arrived  at  Frankfort  in  the  month  of  January  1557,  served  this  church  during 
some  years,  and  became  afterwards  chaplain  of  the  Prince  of  Conde.  It  was  no 
doubt  in  consequence  of  this  title  that  he  took  a  part  in  the  conferences  of  Poissy. 
Beza,  Hist.  Eccl.  torn.  i.  p.  692. 
39 


306  THE   FRENCH   CHURCH   OF   FRANKFORT.  [1556. 

Christ,  be  always  upon  you,  by  the  communication  of  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

Beloved  Seigneurs  and  Brethren, — When  I  first  heard 
the  news  of  the  election  you  have  made,  I  was  sorry  for  one 
circumstance  only,  which  is  that  you  have  paid  no  respect  to 
the  present  necessities  of  the  church  of  Wezel,  at  least  if  you 
were  aware  of  them.  For  you  know  that  each  church  should 
not  consult  its  own  interests  so  exclusively  as  to  pay  no  at- 
tention to  those  of  others.  What  is  more,  in  withdrawing  our 
brother  Master  Francis  from  Wezel,  while  matters  are  in  such 
disorder  there,  you  would  have  done  a  wrong  not  only  to  the 
small  flock  which  is  assembled  in  that  place,  but  to  the  whole 
of  Christendom.  For  if  he  had  departed,  or  if  even  now  he 
should  depart  from  there,  without  having  waited  for  the  issue 
which  God  will  be  pleased  to  give  to  the  cause  for  which  he  is 
struggling,  he  would  inflict  on  it  a  more  dangerous  wound  than 
you  imagine.  But  I  am  convinced  that  you  were  unacquainted 
with  his  position  when  you  elected  him,  and  that  since  that 
time  you  have  not  been  immoderately  warm  in  your  demon- 
strations towards  him.  For  my  part,  I  should  never  advise 
him  to  stir  before  having  gained  the  cause  for  which  he  has 
combated  till  now,  though  he  and  the  little  flock  should  be 
driven  out  by  force  and  tyranny.1  But  I  still  hope  for  a  more 
favourable  termination,  and  that  he  will  obtain  not  only  that 
our  brethren  shall  be  allowed  to  inhabit  that  place,  serving 
God  in  purity ;  but  also  that  the  truth  of  the  gospel  with  re- 
gard to  the  article  of  the  Lord's  supper,  though  attempts  have 
been  made  to  oppress  it,  will  finally  prevail.  I  entreat  you 
then  not  to  be  so  taken  up  with  your  own  concerns,  as  not  to 
prefer  to  your  private  utility  a  common  good  of  such  importance. 
Barring  this  single  objection,  I  shall  certainly  give  my  sanc- 
tion, and  so  I  have  written  to  himself,  for  his  coming  imme- 
diately to  your  assistance.  For  the  church  of  Embden  2  ought 
not  to  prevent  him,  and  the  obligation  which  he  alleges  is  not 
of  such  a  nature  as  to  deprive  him  of  the  liberty  of  employing 

1  See  the  letter  to  the  brethren  of  Wezel,  p.  29. 

•The  Reformed  Church  of  Embden  in  East  Friesland,  founded  by  the  Polish  noble- 
man John  Laski,  and  visited  by  Francis  Perucel. 


1556.]      THE  FRENCH  CHURCH  OF  FRANKFORT.       307 

his  services  wherever  God  shall  offer  him  abetter  opportunity. 
If,  as  I  hope,  he  follows  my  advice,  you  will  have  reason  to 
be  satisfied.  Indeed  I  believe  you  are  sufficiently  convinced 
how  much  I  have  it  at  heart,  that  you  should  be  provided  for. 
And  because  I  am  confident  that  our  brother  Master  Francis 
will  endeavour  faithfully  to  discharge  his  duties,  and  his 
labours  will  be  useful  to  you,  I  would  by  no  means  retard, 
but  rather  hasten  as  much  as  possible  his  arrival  among  you. 

For  the  rest,  my  brethren,  I  pray  you  to  employ  constantly 
every  effort  to  unite  again  the  body  of  your  church  which  has 
been  so  miserably  dispersed,  and  for  this  purpose,  forgetting 
all  past  quarrels  and  contentions,  to  bear  with  the  infirmities 
of  those  who  have  been  deceived.  As  to  the  act  of  your  elders, 
if  it  is  such  as  I  have  heard  it  represented,  they  well  deserve 
to  be  removed  from  the  charge,  in  which  they  have  governed 
so  badly.  Only  take  measures,  I  pray  you,  that  that  be  done 
without  tumult,  and  with  the  peaceable  consent  of  parties;  and 
whereas  they  have  wished  to  sow  divisions  among  you,  let 
them  take  a  lesson  from  you  how  to  quell  the  mutinous  by 
good  order.  I  should  have  thought  that  Master  Yaleran 
would  have  been  somewhat  more  circumspect,  had  it  been  but 
for  his  own  interest.  At  present  he  confirms  too  clearly  what 
has  been  said  of  him.  At  any  rate  he  has  shewn  that  he  is 
pursuing  a  reckless  course,  by  which  I  see  that  God  is 
hurrying  him  on  to  his  ruin.  In  the  mean  time,  bear  your- 
selves with  so  much  the  more  modesty,  and  shew  that  in 
seeking  the  edification  of  the  church,  you  desire  not  the 
ruin  of  any  body.  I  beg  of  you  also  in  my  name  to  salute  the 
rest  of  the  brethren. 

Whereupon  I  will  conclude,  after  having  commended  myself 
to  your  fervent  prayers,  and  supplicated  our  heavenly  Father 
to  govern  you  by  his  Holy  Spirit,  and  increase  you  in  all 
good. 

Your  humble  brother, 

John  Calvin. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107.] 


808  viret.  [1557. 


CCCCLL— To  Viret.1 

Election  of  a  Pastor  for  the  church  of  Paris — disorders  of  the  wife  of  Anthony  Calvin. 

Geneva,  7  th  January  1557. 

The  affair  of  Paris  is  in  a  state  of  great  perplexity.  An 
election  to  which  Christopher  by  his  counsels  is  favourable  is 
altogether  to  be  avoided.  Already  the  report  is  in  general 
circulation.  It  is  not  yet  however  the  public  talk  of  all  the 
taverns  of  Berne.  I  predict  that  it  will  be,  if  any  one  is  pub- 
licly elected.  If  Farel  shall  be  disposed  to  ask  privately  of 
li  is  overseer  for  a  mission,  it  would  be  a  tolerable  manner  of 
proceeding.  For  he  will  be  ashamed  to  make  too  great  a  dis- 
turbance respecting  an  affair  entrusted  to  his  good  faith.  If 
Farel  refuse  this,  it  will  be  necessary  to  fall  back  upon  Enard 
or  Gaspar,  though  Tomassin  also  would  give  satisfaction,  if 
by  your  exhortations  and  those  of  Farel  he  consented  to  under- 
take the  charge.  If  no  one  can  be  detached  from  that  place 
without  the  votes  of  the  society,  perhaps  God  will  find  some 
for  us  here.  But  the  former  plan  should  be  attempted  in  the 
first  place.  My  grief  does  not  permit  me  to  say  more.  For 
when  that  abandoned  woman,  who  was  then  my  brother's 
wife,  lived  in  my  house,  we  discovered  that  she  had  committed 
adultery  with  the  hunchbacked  Peter.2  The  only  consolation 
we  have  in  this  affliction  is  that  my  brother  will  be  freed  from 
her  by  a  divorce. 

Farewell,  best   and  most   upright  brother.     Salute  in  my 

1  The  church  of  Paris  asked  for  a  new  minister.  Christopher  Fabri,  Gaspar  Car- 
mel,  and  Farel,  were  disposed  to  respond  to  its  call.  But  the  presence  of  Farel  and 
Fabri  was  necessary  at  Neuchatel.  It  was  Carinel  who  obtained  this  dangerous  honour. 
See  the  letter  to  the  church  of  Paris  of  the  15^  March  following. 

2  Anthony  Calvin,  the  brother  of  the  Reformer,  had  for  his  first  wife  Anne  de  Fer, 
the  daughter  of  a  refugee  of  Arras,  whom  he  divorced  for  adultery.  Viret  wrote  on 
this  occasion  to  Calvin  :  "What  you  write  to  me  of  this  domestic  sorrow  very  much 
distresses  me.  It  was  not  enough  for  the  vile  woman  to  have  once  offended  in  so  dis- 
graceful a  manner  the  whole  church,  and  troubled  and  discredited  so  pious  a  family. 
May  God  have  pity  on  her.  Do  you  in  your  wisdom  moderate  your  distress  of  mind." 
Letter  of  the  9th  January  1557.     {Library  of  Geneva,  vol.  107  a.) 


1557.]  THE   SEIGNEURY   OF   BERNE.  809 

name  the  brethren,  your  wife,  and  daughters.     May  God  pro- 
tect, govern,  and  bless  you  all. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

\Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Gotha.     Vol.  404,  p.  29.] 


CCCCLII. — To  the  Seigneury  of  Berne.1 

Justification  of  the  measures  adopted  with  regard  to  the  fugitive  Libertins. 

Geneva,  29th  January  1557. 

Eight  worshipful  seigneurs, — We  have  received  your  let- 
ters bearing  date  the  23d  of  the  present  month,  in  which  you 
deal  towards  us  with  a  rigour  which  does  not  seem  to  become 
good  friends  and  neighbours.  You  will  be  pleased  to  pardon 
the  sorrow  which  the  expressions  you  employ  have  caused  us. 
For  if  your  intention  was,  as  you  say,  to  address  to  us  an 
amicable  request,  it  was  not  proper  to  insult  us  by^  saying  that 
we  have  followed  out  our  legal  procedure  with  inhumanity ; 
and  we  conceive  that  the  respect  and  modesty  which  we  ob- 
serve towards  you  should  have  procured  us  a  little  more  indul- 
gence. For  the  rest,  as  to  the  fact  about  which  you  have 
written  to  us,  we  see  that  you  have  been  partly  ill-informed, 
for  we  have  never  by  proclamation  summoned  Amy  Perrin 

1  The  differences  that  had  taken  place  between  Berne  and  Geneva  on  the  subject  of 
the  refugees,  were  every  day  becoming  more  and  more  aggravated.  Summoned  to 
appear  in  person  or  by  proxy  at  Geneva,  to  give  an  account  of  their  conduct,  the  refu- 
gees refused  to  obey,  and  placing  themselves  under  the  protection  of  Berne,  they  did 
all  in  their  power  to  embroil  the  two  cities  in  a  quarrel.  An  incident  occurred  which 
raised  their  irritation  to  the  highest  pitch.  A  citizen  of  Geneva,  a  relation  of  Amy 
Perrin's,  having  bequeathed  by  his  will  500  crowns  to  the  fugitive  Libertins,  to  aid 
them  in  carrying  on  their  process,  all  his  property  was  confiscated.  Informed  of  this 
act,  and  piqued  at  not  having  been  able  to  obtain  any  concession  for  the  refugees,  the 
Seigneurs  of  Berne  wrote  to  those  of  Geneva  a  very  passionate  letter  :  "  They  accused 
them  of  having  acted  with  inhumanity  against  those  they  bad  condemned  .  .  .  and 
especially  the  confiscation  of  the  property  of  the  person  who  had  bequeathed  a  legacy 
displeased  them,  because  that  person  had  left  a  posthumous  child,  so  that  they  said  it 
was  punishing  a  child  yet  in  its  mother's  womb.  And  after  several  remonstrances, 
they  threatened  to  grant  permission  to  the  said  condemned  persons,  for  the  ends  of 
securing  justice  to  them,  10  seize  upon  the  Genevese  property."  Chronique  de  Roset, 
vi.  26.  The  answer  of  the  Seigneury,  approved  by  the  two  councils,  was  the  work 
of  Calvin  himself. 


310  THE    SEIGNEURY    OF   BERNE.  [1557. 

and  his  accomplices,  on  pain  of  having  their  property  confis- 
cated, and  never  did  we  make  use  of  such  an  expression.  On 
your  part,  you  ought  not  to  find  it  strange  that  those  who 
have  had  the  handling  of  the  money  of  our  treasury,  and  have 
detained  it,  should  be  summoned  to  appear  and  give  in  their 
accounts  to  those  appointed  to  receive  them.  In  that  there  is 
nothing  unusual,  we  suppose.  You  allege  that  it  is  a  thing 
impossible  for  them,  but  the  example  of  Peter  Vandal  demon- 
strates the  contrary,  for  he,  forming  one  of  their  number,  found 
means  to  settle  his  accounts  and  establish  in  whose  favour  the 
balance  stood,  knowing  that  by  the  principles  of  common 
sense,  as  well  as  those  of  equity,  he  could  not  avoid  it.  We 
are  even  persuaded  that,  after  having  satisfied  us,  neither  he 
nor  his  attorney  complains  of  our  having  wronged  them,  or 
treated  them  unhandsomely.  Wherefore,  Amy  Perrin,  in 
having  recourse  to  subterfuges,  plainly  proves  that  he  wishes 
neither  to  give  in  his  accounts  nor  pay  what  he  owes.  For 
about  twenty  years  he  has  had  the  handling  of  the  money  of 
our  revenue.  During  that  time  our  city  has  often  been  agitated 
by  troubles,  which  have  prevented  him  from  settling  his  ac- 
counts. During  that  interval,  however,  he  has  been  more 
than  once  called  upon,  and  summoned  to  lay  a  statement  be- 
fore us,  which  demand  he  has  always  eluded.  Be  that  as  it 
may,  the  least  he  can  do  is  to  present  it  now,  and  satisfy  us  to 
the  amount  he  shall  be  found  to  have  received.  To  your  re- 
mark that  we  have  forbidden  all  persons  to  give  aid  or  coun- 
tenance either  to  him  or  his  accomplices,  and  have  carried  our 
cruelty  so  far  as  to  punish  their  posthumous  children,  we  can 
only  say,  that  it  moves  our  pity  to  think  that  when  so  many 
things  utterly  frivolous  are  reported  to  you,  you  should  lend 
so  ready  an  ear  to  them.  We  will  not  institute  a  comparison 
between  you  and  ourselves,  for  we  are  quite  aware  of  our  in- 
significance, not  only  in  power,  but  also  in  knowledge.  Thus 
I  have  no  occasion  to  say,  that  when  similar  things  are  re- 
ported to  us  of  you,  we  should  never  think  of  believing  them. 
But  if  they  were  said  of  our  equals,  or  of  persons  inferior  to 
us,  if  any  such  there  are,  still  we  should  be  inclined  to  make 
enquiries  before  judging.     It  is  true  we  have  pronounced  a 


1557.]  THE  SEIGNEURY  OF  BERNE.  311 

sentence  which  will  turn  to  the  disadvantage  of  the  orphan 
children  of  a  person  deceased,  and  even  of  a  posthumous  child. 
But  this  sentence  is  not  founded  upon  the  motives  which  you 
have  been  given  to  understand,  and  we  have  no  doubt  that, 
placed  in  the  same  condition,  if  you  had  had  to  give  sentence, 
you  would  not  have  done  less  than  we ;  for  we  deem  you  such 
prudent  seigneurs,  and  so  well  inclined  to  your  commonwealth, 
that  if  one  of  your  citizens  had  declared  his  wish  to  have  your 
state  kept  in  a  state  of  agitation  at  his  expense,  you  would 
not  have  spared  his  person,  and  still  less  the  property  which 
he  should  have  exposed  in  so  wicked  a  cause.  Nevertheless, 
there  never  existed  so  rigorous  a  prohibition  as  you  have  been 
given  to  understand.  This  is  proved  by  experience,  for  not 
one  of  those  who  have  been  condemned  has  ever  been  deprived 
of  the  privilege  of  pursuing  his  rights  for  want  of  an  attorney 
in  all  private  suits,  whether  it  were  to  defend  his  property,  or 
for  any  other  claim  not  connected  with  the  criminal  pursuit 
in  which  their  personal  appearance  was  indispensable.  Thus, 
then,  we  beg  of  you,  instead  of  listening  to  such  frivolous 
reports,  to  deign  to  make  yourselves  acquainted  with  the  truth 
before  you  condemn  us. 

Eespecting  your  reproaches  on  the  subject  of  our  refusing 
to  grant  a  safe  conduct  to  the  said  Perrin  and  his  adherents, 
to  give  them  an  opportunity  of  justifying  their  crimes,  when 
we  were  solicited  to  do  so  by  you  and  by  the  most  high,  redoubt- 
able and  right  worshipful  Seigneurs  of  the  Ligues,  we  con- 
ceived that  we  had  satisfied  you  by  the  most  reasonable  ex- 
cuses. At  least  we  hope  that  the  right  worshipful  Seigneurs 
of  the  Ligues  will  recognize,  and  have  already  recognized, 
that  it  was  impossible  to  act  better  than  we  have  done.  Now, 
though  we  hope  also  that  you  will  be  pacified  by  this  answer, 
so  far  as  to  allow  us  to  pursue  our  rights,  nevertheless  we  are 
compelled  to  say  a  word  in  reply  to  your  threat  of  granting 
leave  to  Perrin  and  his  adherents  to  invade  our  property  in 
execution  of  justice.  For  in  the  first  place,  the  expression 
implies  a  usurpation  by  force,  which  is  a  thing  we  find  very 
strange,  seeing  that  the  point  in  question  was  to  make  a  town 
collector  of  revenue  give  an  account  of  the  amount  of  pro- 


312  THE   SEIGNEURY    OF   BERNE.  [1557. 

perty  belonging  to  the  public,  which  he  has  detained;  we  can- 
not suppose  that  you  should  wish  to  act  more  unhandsomely 
towards  us  than  the  Duke  of  Savoy,  by  whose  orders  one 
named  Bernard  Boulet.  who  had  had  the  management  of  the 
city  revenue,  was  forced,  though  a  refugee,  to  come  here  and 
lay  before  us  his  accounts.  But  since  you  threaten  us  with 
armed  force,  you  will  not  take  it  amiss,  if  in  such  a  case  we 
protest  that  we  shall  be  forced  to  lay  our  complaints  before 
your  friends  and  allies,  from  whom  we  hope  to  find  succour 
and  reparation.  We  know  very  well  that  you  have  inserted 
in  your  declaration  the  expression  "in  the  execution  of  justice," 
but  when  you  speak  of  laying  hold  of  our  property  by  an  in- 
vasion, we  have  no  other  resource  but  to  invoke  Him  who  has 
promised  to  come  to  the  aid  of  those  who  are  trampled  down. 
For,  on  our  part,  we  will  endeavour  by  a  pure  conscience  to 
have  access  to  him,  and  then  we  will  demand  justice  in  the 
quarter  where  we  shall  be  able  to  obtain  it.  Nevertheless, 
we  cannot  help  thinking  that  of  your  wisdom  and  equity  you 
will,  without  raising  any  disturbance,  allow  us  to  claim  our 
rights  by  the  ordinary  channel  of  justice  ;  and  we  entreat  you, 
in  the  name  of  God,  to  be  more  moderate,  so  that  we  may  with 
due  humility  maintain  ourselves  in  our  modest  state,  and 
render  you  all  the  services  in  our  power,  as  we  have  deter- 
mined to  do,  by  the  help  of  God,  whom  we  pray  to  preserve 
you  in  his  grace. 

The  Syndics,  the  Lesser  and  the  Greater  Council,  named 
that  of  the  Two  Hundred  of  Geneva,  your  good  neighbours 
and  friends. 

[Fr.  orig.  corrected  by  Calvin. — Arch,  of  Geneva.] 


1557.]  PETER   MARTYR.  313 


CCCCLIIL— To  Peter  Martyr.1 

A  call  addressed  to  Martyr  in  the  name  of  the  Italian  church  of  Geneva. 

Gexeva,  31«<  January  1557. 

How  my  reply  to  Westphal  and  his  associates  pleased  you, 
(for  I  am  unwilling  to  augur  ill  before  the  time,)  I  should  like 
to  know  by  the  return  of  this  messenger.  Whatever  your 
opinion  shall  be,  give  it  me  frankly.  Nor  shall  I  be  surprised 
if  my  manner  of  proceeding  do  not  altogether  satisfy  you.  I 
often  attempted  to  change  it,  but  as  nothing  better  presented 
itself  to  my  mind,  I  went  on  with  the  work  as  I  had  beo-un 
it.  My  great  haste  will  also  partly  extenuate,  or  at  least  ex- 
cuse my  faults.  But  lest  I  should  seem  to  forestall  your 
judgment,  I  shall  abstain  from  all  apology.  And  now  I  have 
to  plead  a  cause  of  greater  importance,  namely,  to  exhort  you 
to  accept  a  new  call.  I  see  as  long  as  you  fill  your  present 
office,  how  far  the  usefulness  of  your  labours  extends,  of  what 
importance  it  is  that  from  a  distinguished  school  should  come 
forth  ministers  of  the  word,  having  received  a  right  education, 
how  many  places  thirst  for  the  books  that  flow  from  the  foun- 
tain of  Zurich.  So  that  partly  from  a  scruple  of  conscience, 
partly  from  shame,  I  durst  hardly  venture  to  throw  in  a  word 
in  favour  of  your  call.  But  on  the  other  hand,  when  your 
countrymen  represent  to  me  their  necessity,  pardon  me  if  I 
incline  to  their  side;  my  own  personal  affections  too  on  this 
question  have  too  much  influence  over  me,  and  therefore  I  had 
rather  play  the  part  of  one  who  demands  than  of  one  who 
exhorts,  though  I  do  not  think  that  my  private  predilections 
blind  me  to  such  a  degree,  as  to  make  me  believe  that  it  is  my 

'To  that  most  distinguished    man  and  faithful  servant  of  Christ,  Peter  Martyr. 
teacher  in  the  church  of  Zurich,  and  my  most  respected  brother. 

Peter  Martyr  had  quitted  Strasbourg  to  settle  at  Zurich,  to  the  great  regret  of  Calvin. 
In  a  letter  of  the  ISth  May  1556,  Calvin  thus  writes  to  Farel  :  "  Peter  Martyr  has  gone 
to  Zurich,  which  I  could  scarcely  have  believed.  But  he  himself  is  of  opinion  that 
tbis  opportunity  of  departure  has  been  opened  up  for  him  in  order  that  out  of  it  he 
may  expect  to  enjoy  greater  liberty.  May  the  Lord  cause  it  to  turn  out  well !" 
40 


314  FAREL.  [1557. 

duty  to  abstain  from  exhorting  you  to  come  in  aid  to  the  men 
of  your  nation,  since  it  is  a  matter  of  great  importance  also 
that  the  state  of  this  church  should  be  maintained  unimpaired, 
and  no  other  fitting  person  for  that  purpose  besides  yourself 
occurs  to  my  mind.  I  am  not  ignorant  indeed  how  much  be- 
neath your  merits  this  situation  is,  but  we  shall  have  another 
occasion  for  calling  for  your  services,  if  you  would  not  make 
any  difficulty  in  giving  to  the  French  also  the  benefit  of  your 
interpretation  of  the  Scriptures,  for  we  too  shall  either  read 
by  turns,  or,  what  would  please  me  more,  and  be,  in  my 
judgment,  of  greater  utility,  I  will  resign  the  whole  task  to 
you,  as  far  as  your  convenience  will  permit;  nor  is  there  any- 
thing in  the  difficulty  which  should  make  you  hesitate,  since 
the  manner  should  be  left  entirely  to  your  own  choice.  But 
as  the  matter  does  not  altogether  depend  upon  you,  it  remains 
that  you  should  leave  it  entirely  to  the  judgment  of  the  church 
to  which  you  owe  your  services.  Only  this  I  entreat  of  you, 
that  if  you  obtain  permission,  you  will  not  hesitate  to  grant 
us  this  favour. 

Farewell,  most  accomplished  sir,  and  highly  respected 
brother.  All  my  colleagues  cordially  salute  you.  I  do  not 
add  the  salutation  of  the  Marquis,  because  you  will  receive  a 
letter  from  himself.  May  the  Lord  continue  to  direct  you 
by  his  Spirit,  to  support  and  shield  you  with  his  protection. — 
Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lot.  wig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107  a.] 


CCCCLIV.— To  Farel. 

Complaints  about  the  bad  proceedings  of  the  Seigneurs  of  Berne — domestic  griefs. 

Geneva,  3d  February  1557. 

Besides  open  contentions,  you  can  have  no  idea,  my  dear 
Farel,  with  how  many  ambushes  and  clandestine  machinations 
Satan  daily  assails  us.  So  then,  though  the  state  of  public 
affairs  be  tranquil,  it  is  not  allowed,  for  all  that,  to  every  body 


1557.]  FAREL.  315 

to  enjoy  repose.  When  we  had  already,  at  home,  many  con- 
cealed enemies,  of  whom,  however,  some  are  delighted  to  throw 
off  the  mask,  our  neighbours  also  threaten  us  in  the  most  out- 
rageous manner.  And  I  wish  their  fury  confined  itself  to 
threats,  but  when  an  opportunity  presents  itself  they  spit  out 
their  venom.  My  brother  and  Normandie  had  lately  a  proof 
of  that.  For  when  they  proceeded  against  Perrin  in  virtue 
of  an  edict  of  the  Bernese,  the  latter  did  not  content  themselves 
with  requiring  them  to  abdicate  their  rights,  but  wished  the 
pursuers  to  incur  the  whole  costs  of  the  trial.  Moreover  it  is 
past  belief  how  insultingly  they  exasperate  our  citizens.  And 
in  addition  to  that  we  are  weighed  down  by  a  load  of  domestic 
affliction.  Of  the  city  I  say  nothing,  for  our  private  calamity 
almost  completely  absorbs  us.  The  judges  find  no  way  of 
disengaging  my  brother.1  I  interpret  their  blindness  as  a  just 
punishment  for  our  own,  because  for  upwards  of  two  years 
though  I  was  pillaged  by  a  thief,  I  saw  nothing.  My  brother 
perceived  neither  the  thief  nor  the  adulterer.  But  if  no  re- 
sults can  be  obtained  judicially,  we  are  determined  to  have  re- 
course to  some  other  method,  to  break  through  the  difficulty. 
I  warn  you,  however,  not  to  let  a  word  escape  you  on  this 
subject,  for  I  should  be  loth  to  resort  to  this  measure  unless 
compelled  by  an  urgent  necessity. 

Of  the  departure  of  our  brother  Gaspar,  I  have  heard  no 
reports.  I  now  rejoice  at  what  I  had  always  apprehended. 
As  to  pass  by  us  will  make  the  journey  longer,  I  would 
willingly  have  spared  him  that  trouble.  Let  him  decide  him- 
self according  to  his  convenience,  whether  he  will  have  the 
letter  sent  to  him  or  receive  it  here  as  he  passes  through. 
Unless  I  am  mistaken  in  my  opinion,  a  man  admirably  fitted 
for  your  school  has  been  chosen.  He  writes  elegantly  and 
neatly,  and  is  possessed  of  that  dexterity  which  suits  your 

1  See  p.  308,  note  2.  The  divorce  was  pronounced  a  short  time  afterwards,  as  the 
Registers  of  the  Council  of  the  15th  February  1557  testify  :  "  Anthony  Calvin  obtained 
his  divorce  on  account  of  the  adultery  of  his  wife,  who  is  banished  on  pain  of  being 
publicly  whipped."  Anthony  Calvin  married  the  Uth  January  1560,  Antoinette 
Commelin,  the  widow  of  the  minister  John  de  Saint-Andre,  by  whom  he  had  several 
children,  mentioned,  as  well  as  those  of  the  former  marriage,  in  the  Testament  of  the 
Reformer. 


316  BULLINGER.         ■  [1557. 

countrymen.  He  is  endowed  besides  with  other  accomplish- 
ments fitted  to  procure  him  authority.  The  messengers  will 
be  better  able  to  tell  you  the  rest. 

Farewell,  best  and  worthiest  brother.  Salute  in  my  name 
your  prefect  and  other  friends.  Towards  your  colleagues  the 
messengers  will  perform  this  duty.  May  the  Lord  always 
govern  and  strengthen  you  even  to  the  end.  I  commend  me 
to  your  prayers  in  my  grave  inquietudes. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

All  our  friends  whom  you  begged  me  to  salute,  salute  you 
affectionately  iu  their  turn. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 


CCCCL V.— To  Bullinger. 

Enquiries  concerning  the  sentence  of  the  arbiters  between  Berne  and  Genera. 

Geneva,  \1th  February  1557. 

Since  no  news  has  been  brought  us  from  your  quarter  on 
the  return  of  our  friend  Macaire,  either  by  letter  or  common 
rumour,  I  was  greatly  delighted  that  this  messenger  presented 
himself  to  me  so  opportunely,  that  by  his  means  I  may  extract 
some  information  from  you,  if  it  suit  your  convenience.  From 
so  complete  a  silence  we  conjecture  that  nothing  has  been 
done,  but  why  they  have  thought  proper  to  delay  we  can 
with  difficulty  suspect.  Our  neighbours  have  lately  threat- 
ened us  too  atrociously  to  make  it  probable  that  they  will  long 
remain  quiet  and  at  peace.  No  letter  except  what  was  filled 
with  insults  and  terrible  menaces.  But  as  a  longer  delay 
renders  our  citizens  anxious,  and  these  new  stinging  insults 
are  added  into  the  bargain,  I  again  and  again  entreat  you, 
venerable  brother,  that  you  would  signify  to  me,  what  resolu- 
tion the  three  cities  have  come  to,  what  next  they  have  at- 
tempted, in  what  position  affairs  stand,  what  issue  is  to  be  ex- 
pected, and  how  long  the  final  decision  will  be  protracted.1 

1  The  difficulties  pendent  between  Berne  and  Geneva  were  referred  to  the  arbitration 
of  Bale,  Schaffhausen,  and  Zurich. 


1557.]  THE  NOBLES  OF  POLAND.  317 

With  you  I  Lave  no  occasion  to  insist  further.  Only  let  it 
be  your  business  that  this  messenger  do  not  return  to  us 
without  some  definitive  account.  I  have  charged  him  with  a 
book  not  quite  finished,  not  to  annoy  you  with  the  tedious 
and  troublesome  perusal  of  it,  but  to  let  you  see  how  much 
leisure  our  printers  can  command,  who  have  time  to  publish 
things  like  that;  and  that  M.  Peter  Martyr  may  learn  at  the 
same  time  to  send  forth  his  matured  productions  when  he  sees 
my  untimely  births  dragged  into  light.  I  know  not  when 
you  have  decided  to  come  to  us.  I  am  fully  persuaded  that 
you  will  come,  and  the  time  is  now  approaching  unless  per- 
haps you  choose  to  put  off  your  visit  till  the  month  of  April. 
But  I  would  not  have  you  let  that  month  slip  away  without 
seeing  me.  At  that  time  also  we  shall  have  something  from 
the  fair  about  which  we  shall  be  able  to  deliberate  among  our- 
selves. 

Farewell,  most  accomplished  sir,  and  venerable  brother. 
My  colleagues  and  other  friends  send  you  their  kindest  salu- 
tations. Do  you  in  your  turn  carefully  salute  your  fellow 
pastors.  May  the  Lord  protect,  guide,  and  sustain  you. — 
Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich.     Gall.  Scripta,  p.  30.] 


CCCCLVI. — To  the  Nobles  of  Poland.1 

He  apologizes  for  not  being  able  to  go  into  Poland  in  consequence  of  the  important 
duties  which  detain  him  in  Geneva. 

Geneva,  llth  March  1557. 

Well  born  and  noble  Seigneurs,  and  brethren  whom  from 
the  heart  I  honour.  If  your  letter  had  been  put  into  my 
hands  at  the  autumn  fair  of  Frankfort,  which  I  only  received 
at  Zurich,  on  my  return  I  should  not  have  put  off  my  answer 

1  On  the  back  of  the  letter  in  an  unknown  hand  writing  :  "  Copy  of  a  letter  which 
had  been  sent  to  the  well  born  and  noble  Seigneurs  who  have  embraced  the  pure  doc- 
trine of  the  gospel  in  Poland." 


318  THE   NOBLES   OF   POLAND.  [1557. 

up  to  this  time.  For  from  that-  public  mart,  there  are  always 
more  convenient  opportunities  of  writing,  and  just  about  that 
period  our  venerable  brother,  John  Laski,  was  on  the  eve  of 
his  departure,  who  not  only  would  have  taken  charge  of  this 
commission  for  your  sakes  and  my  own,  but  in  whom  I  should 
have  found  moreover  a  most  faithful  interpreter.  But  as  since 
then  I  have  found  no  opportunity  of  a  messenger  to  convey 
my  letter,  I  did  not  conceive  that  there  was  any  need  of  being 
in  a  hurry,  especially  when  from  the  long  interval  of  time  that 
had  elapsed,  I  might  conjecture  that  there  was  no  very  urgent 
need  of  my  services,  and  M.  Lismannini  despairing  of  being 
able  to  prolong  any  more  his  stay  among  you,  had  rather  kept 
us  in  suspense  in  the  expectation  of  his  arrival,  than  encouraged 
us  to  use  despatch  in  the  hope  of  securing  any  advantages. 
And  though  it  was  easy  to  gather  from  your  letter  that  my 
arrival  would  be  agreeable  to  you,  yet  as  my  departure  would 
draw  along  with  it  no  small  detriment  to  this  church,  I  was 
afraid  lest  my  precipitation  to  fly  to  your  assistance  before  the 
due  time,  might  incur  the  charge  of  inconsiderateness  and  an 
excess  of  zeal.  For  these  reasons,  as  soon  as  I  came  home,  I 
showed  your  letter  to  our  senate.  The  members  of  it  were  all 
sad  and  anxious,  till  I  reminded  them  that  there  was  no  need 
of  any  deliberations,  since  the  five  months  which  had  elapsed 
since  the  date  of  the  letter  might  most  probably  have  produced 
some  change.  I  say  they  were  anxious,  because  they  would 
not  have  denied  any  thing  to  you  whose  interests  they  desire 
so  much  to  consult,  and  whom  they  wish  to  gratify  to  the  full 
extent  of  their  power,  and  yet  to  permit  my  departure  was  a 
thing  in  the  highest  degree  painful  to  them.  At  present,  that 
by  the  blessing  of  God  you  have  it  in  your  power  to  profit  by 
the  labours  of  that  most  excellent  and  faithful  minister  of 
Christ,  John  Laski.  I  do  not  see  any  reason  for  your  so  ardently 
desiring  my  presence  among  you.  For  though  I  am  confident 
that  he  would  make  no  difficulty  in  admitting  me  to  be  the 
partner  of  his  labours,  and  to  me  it  would  be  a  source  of  great 
pleasure  to  co-operate  with  him  for  your  advantage,  neverthe- 
less, if  no  absolute  necessity  required  it,  I  do  not  think  that 
you  yourselves  would  wish  me  to  be  violently  torn  from  the 


1557.]  THE   CHURCH   OF   PARIS.  319 

station  in  which  I  am  usefully  employed.  Certainly  unless 
you  should  wish  me  to  incur  the  charge  of  levity,  nothing  was 
to  be  attempted  in  so  doubtful  a  state  of  affairs.  If  I  did  not 
remind  you  sooner  of  this  difficulty,  it  was  M.  Lismannini 
that  was  the  cause  of  my  delay,  who  had  written  to  me  that 
he  should  most  probably  be  among  us  within  a  few  months. 
And  though  other  letters  have  followed  since  then  from  which 
better  hopes  might  be  conceived,  yet  I  perceived  perfectly 
well  from  his  silence,  that  there  was  no  reason  for  being  in  a 
hurry.  Wherefore  the  only  resource  which  remains  for  me 
is  that  I  shall  attempt  to  make  up,  by  the  aid  of  my  prayers, 
whatever  inconvenience  you  may  have  experienced  from  my 
absence.  For  that  is  also  a  true  alacrity  which  has  no  need 
of  the  spur  of  exhortations. 

Farewell,  most  distinguished  Seigneurs,  not  less  noble  by 
birth  than  for  your  singular  piety.  May  the  Lord  direct  you 
by  the  spirit  of  wisdom,  sustain  you  by  his  invincible  courage, 
and  cover  you  with  his  protection.  I  have  taken  upon  me  to 
plead  the  excuse  of  our  senate  for  not  giving  you  an  answer. 
— Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  min.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.    Yol.  107  a.] 


CCCCLVIL— To  the  Church  of  Paris.1 

He  congratulates  the  members  of  this  church  on  their  fidelity,  and  announces  to  them 
two  new  ministers  in  soliciting  a  leave  of  absence  for  one  of  their  pastors. 

15f^  March  1557. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  be  always  upon  you,  by  the  communication  of 
the  Holy  Spirit. 

1  On  the  back  :  To  my  well  beloved  Seigneurs  and  brethren.  .  . 

The  Reformed  church  of  Paris,  the  most  important  in  the  kingdom  for  the  number 
of  its  pastors  and  of  its  martyrs,  was  definitively  established  in  the  year  1555.  Its 
members  assembled  first  in  the  Pre-aux-Clercs,  in  the  house  of  a  gentleman  of  Maine, 
the  Sieur  de  la  Ferriere,  "  to  offer  up  their  prayers  in  common,  and  read  some  passages 
of  the  Holy  Scriptures.     This   Seigneur  having  a  son,  desired  that  he  should  be 


320  TIIE    CHURCH    OF    PARIS.  [1557 

Sirs,  and  honoured  Brethren, — I  cannot  sufficiently 
magnify  the  infinite  goodness  of  God,  which  is  so  powerfully 
manifested  in  you,  and  especially  because  in  the  midst  of  the 
fears  and  assaults  to  which  you  are  daily  exposed,  that  indul- 
gent Father  fortifies  and  renders  you  invincible  by  his  Spirit. 
It  is  much  that  he  keeps  in  check,  nay,  even  in  fetters,  so 
many  enemies  who  seek  but  to  devour  you,  and  have  the 
means  of  doing  so  were  they  not  otherwise  restrained.  But  I 
prize  still  more  the  grace  by  which  you  are  sustained,  and 
through  which,  relying  on  his  promises  you  persevere ;  for  it 
is  by  this  grace  that  he  shews  the  efficacy  of  his  Spirit  and 
wishes  it  to  be  known  in  his  church.  Now  in  order  to  hold 
on  well,  let  every  one  exhort  his  fellow,  and  all  put  in  practice 
what  is  recommended  in  the  scripture,  viz:  to  strengthen  the 
trembling  knees  and  feeble  hands,  trusting  more  and  more  in 
the  protection  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  will  shew  him- 
self to  the  end  the  faithful  guardian  of  our  bodies,  as  well  as 
our  souls.  And  though  you  receive  some  support  from  the 
world,  whatever  fall  out,  always  glory  in  your  lowly  estate, 
that  you  may  effectually  prove  that  there  is  no  safety  except 
under  the  shadow  of  God's  wings.  In  the  mean  time  let 
your  virtuous  life  be  a  buckler  to  repel  all  the  detractions  of 
your  enemies.  True  it  is,  that  in  exhorting  you  I  feel 
ashamed,  that  on  our  part  we  cannot  lend  you  more  efficaci- 
ous aid,  as  your  condition  requires  and  our  duty  dictates. 
But  I  entreat  you  to  have  indulgence  if  we  do  not  fulfil  our 
duty  as  promptly  as  it  were  to  be  desired.  As  we  had  no 
means  whatever  of  satisfying  your  demand,  we  have  sent  the 
two  brethren  whom  you  will  see,  who  will  make  you  verbal 
excuses  for   not  having  come  sooner.     On  their  arrival  we 

baptized  according  to  the  rites  of  the  Reformed  church.  He  made  the  proposal  to  the 
assembly,  and  begged  them  to  choose  a  minister  from  among  their  body.  The  unani- 
mous choice  of  the  brethren  fell  on  John  le  Macon,  or  de  Launay,  known  by  the  name 
of  la  Riviere,  and  not  less  remarkable  for  his  piety  than  his  talents.  A  consistory 
composed  of  elders  and  deacons  was  charged  with  the  visitation  of  the  poor,  and  watch- 
ing over  purity  of  doctrine  and  of  morals.  The  church  of  Paris  thus  organized  formed 
a  correspondence  with  that  of  Geneva,  received  several  ministers  from  it,  and  was  able 
to  face  the  persecutions  which  were  destined  to  assail  it  with  new  fury  and  conse- 
crate it  by  martyrdom.     Beza,  Hist.  Erd.  torn.  i.  p.  99,  and  the  following. 


1557.]  THE    CHURCH    OF    PARIS.  321 

trust  they  will  supply  the  want  you  have  hitherto  felt.  One 
of  them  has  long  ministered  among  us  here,  and  has  even  left 
his  fold  for  a  time  to  go  to  your  assistance.1  The  other  has 
been  employed  in  like  ministrations,  and  always  acquitted 
himself  faithfully  in  them.2  Both  have  consented  to  leave 
their  families,  rather  than  to  fail  you  in  your  necessity.  I 
will  entreat  you  to  give  them  a  patient  hearing,  and  profit 
under  them  before  you  judge  too  hastily,  as  we  are  apt  some- 
times to  conceive  an  aversion  before  having  formed  a  due  ac- 
quaintance. For  when  you  have  given  them  a  kindly  recep- 
tion, I  am  confident  that  you  shall  have  occasion  to  congratu- 
late yourselves  on  seeing  the  fruits  of  their  labours,  for  God 
has  bestowed  on  them  the  gifts  necessary  to  edify  his  church 
in  honest  simplicity  and  uprightness,  and  I  doubt  not  but  he 
will  bless  their  zeal.  Wherefore  deliberate  how  to  welcome 
them  as  servants  of  Him  to  whom  we  owe  all  reverence,  and 
who  has  declared  that  in  despising  the  humblest  of  these  little 
ones,  we  despise  him  that  sent  them. 

For  the  rest,  in  order  to  provide  better  and  more  fully  for 
your  state,  I  should  wish  to  have  some  communication  re- 
specting it  with  M.  de  Launay  as  well  as  with  M.  du  Buisson, 
for  I  hope  that  the  latter,  who  has  left  you  with  your  leave  of 
absence,3  will  speedily  arrive  here.  With  respect  to  the  other, 
M.  de  Launay,  because  he  has  signified  to  me  his  desire  to  have  it 
in  his  power  to  retire  for  some  time,  not  to  enjoy  the  recreations 
of  a  vacation,  but  to  prepare  himself  at  leisure  for  ampler 
services,  I  will  beg  of  you  then  to  grant  him  this  request. 
For  though  our  Lord  has  made  use  of  him  at  these  early  years4 

1  Registers  of  the  Company  of  Geneva,  loth  March  1557  :  "Monday  the  fifteenth  of 
March,  Master  Gaspard  (Cormel)  minister  of  Neuchatel,  husband  of  the  niece  of 
Monsieur  William  Fare],  passing  through  here,  has  started  to  go  to  Paris  to  succour 
the  assembly  which  is  numerous  there  by  the  grace  of  God. 

a  Who  was  this  second?  The  registers  of  the  same  day  (15th  March)  furnish  only 
the  following  indication  :  "  Along  with  the  said  M.  Gaspar  started  M.  John  d'Espoir 
in  order  to  go  to  Rouen  to  administer  the  word  of  God." 

8  The  minister  Francis  Morel,  sometimes  called  du  Buisson,  and  more  generally 
Monsieur  de  Colonges.  Registers  of  the  Company  of  Geneva,  July  1557  :  "We  expect 
M.  de  Coulonge,  who  being  too  much  exposed  at  Paris,  where  he  discharged  the  office 
of  pastor,  had  received  a  leave  of  absence  from  the  said  church." 

4  He  was  then  but  twenty-four  years  of  age. 
41 


322  BULLIXGER.  [1557. 

in  such  a  manner  that  we  have  reason  to  glorify  him  for  it; 
yet  of  a  certainty  in  permitting  him  to  study  at  his  leisure 
during  two  years,  we  shall  render  him  doubly  useful  for  con- 
tinuing the  service  he  has  commenced.  Were  I  not  thoroughly 
persuaded  of  his  good  intentions,  I  should  not  make  myself  his 
advocate  to  obtain  his  exemption;  but  when  you  see  at  what 
he  is  aiming  I  trust  you  will  not  oppose  him,  especially  when 
you  perceive  that  though  separated  from  you  he  will  never- 
theless continue  to  belong  to  you.  Now  if  you  think  fit  to 
send  him,  I  beg  you  to  give  him  full  instructions,  that  we  may 
be  better  able  to  conform  to  your  wishes,  in  making  choice  of 
persons  to  minister,  unless  you  find  in  your  own  parts  those 
who  may  be  proper  and  suitable  for  this  service.  For  my 
own  part,  I  assure  you  that  were  I  only  at  liberty  to  travel, 
without  so  much  ado,  I  should  prefer  to  consult  on  the  spot. 
As  it  is  I  hope  in  God,  if  the  two  brethren  come,  they  will 
fall  upon  some  means  of  satisfying  you  and  providing  for  your 
wants. 

Whereupon,  Messieurs  and  brethren,  commending  me  affec- 
tionately to  you  and  to  your  fervent  prayers,  I  entreat  our 
heavenly  Father  to  have  you  in  his  holy  keeping,  to  govern 
you  always  by  his  Holy  Spirit,  and  to  enrich  you  more  and 
more  with  his  spiritual  gifts,  till  you  be  finally  perfected.  My 
colleagues  join  in  these  wishes. 
Your  humble  brother, 

Charles  D'Espeville. 

[Fr.  orig. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107.] 


CCCCLVIIL— To  Bullinger. 

Preliminaries  of  the  assembly  of  Baden. 

Geneva,  17th  March  1557. 

Since  your  most  illustrious  senate  has  gained  nothing  by 
its  authority,  influence,  and  entreaties  over  our  neighbours, 
we  shall  apply  to  the  assembly  at  Baden.  But  because  that 
assembly  is  not  in  the  habit  of  giving  an  answer,  unless  the 


1557.]  JOHN    UTENHOVEN.  323 

deputies  of  the  towns  and  cantons  come  furnished  with  full 
instructions,  we  again  pray  your  illustrious  senate  to  take  care 
that  the  demands  which  our  deputies  will  produce  be  laid  be- 
fore the  confederated  states.  If  you  can  elicit  any  thing  which 
it  would  be  advantageous  for  us  to  know,  I  entreat  you  do 
not  hesitate  to  inform  me  privately.  Moreover  though  it  is 
necessary  that  the  business  should  also  be  laid  open  to  our 
neighbours,  lest  they  complain  that  anything  has  been  con- 
cealed from  them,  nay,  lest  they  dismiss  our  deputies  without 
according  anything  under  this  pretext,  we  desire  however  that 
they  should  be  informed  as  late  as  possible,  lest  they  stop  up 
the  way,  since,  on  account  of  the  severity  of  the  temperature, 
it  would  not  be  very  convenient  to  leave  home  for  the  sake 
of  recreation.  Make  an  effort  to  see  us  here  at  least  immedi- 
ately after  Easter.  I  put  off  till  that  time  the  consultation 
which  you  wrote  to  me  that  we  were  to  have  respecting  the 
letter  of  M.  Laski. 

Farewell,  most  distinguished  sir,  and  highly  honoured 
brother,  along  with  M.  Martyr,  M.  Gualter,  your  sons-in-law, 
and  the  other  fellow  pastors.  May  the  Lord  always  bless  you 
more  and  more. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 
[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich.    Gall.  Scripta,  p.  32.] 


CCCCLIX.— To  John  Utenhoven.1 

Hopes  of  seeing  the  Reform  make  decisive  progress  in  Poland — eulogy  on  Laski. 

Geneva,  March  1557. 

You  have  given  me  without  hesitation  such  detailed  and 
exact  information  respecting  the  state  of  the  church  in  Poland, 

1  To  the  noble  and  most  distinguished  Seigneur,  and  truly  respected  friend  and 
brother,  John  Utenhoven. 

Expelled  from  London  with  the  congregation  of  French  Protestants,  John  Utenho- 
ven had  followed  the  destinies  of  Laski,  and  along  with  him  had  taken  his  way  to 
Poland.  The  19th  February  1557  he  wrote  from  Cracow  to  Calvin  a  letter  containing 
curious  details  respecting  the  religious  state  of  his  country  and  the  dispositions  of  the 
king,  who,  in  spite  of  the  intrigues  of  the  Nuncio  and  the  party  hostile  to  the  Reform, 


324  JOHN    UTENHOVEN.  [1567. 

that  I  give  you  my  most  hearty  thanks,  distinguished  sir  and 
respected  brother,  for  your  courteousness  and  sedulity.  And 
one  satisfactory  result  has  already  justified  our  rising  hopes, 
viz  :  that  the  king,  by  letters  patent,  has  suspended  the  exile 
of  Lismaunini,  and  accorded  him  permission  to  remain. 
Hence  I  conclude  that  the  courage  of  the  king  has  increased 
so  much,  that  he  ventures  with  more  boldness  to  check  the  in- 
dolence of  the  enemies.  Assuredly  that  indolence  was  de- 
plorable, even  shameful,  by  which  he  had  surrendered  all  his 
authority  to  the  ungodly  to  such  a  degree  that,  from  complai- 
sance to  them,  he  banished  from  his  dominions  the  man  whom 
in  his  heart  he  loved.  Now  he  has  given  a  proof  by  no  means 
doubtful,  from  which  it  clearly  appears,  not  that  his  anger  has 
been  so  much  appeased  as  to  admit  of  his  sparing  a  man 
malignantly  oppressed,  but  that  he  is  no  longer  fettered  and 
kept  in  bondage  by  a  party.  I  rejoice  that  M.  Laski  had  been 
courteously  received  by  him,  even  before  he  professed  so  inde- 
pendently the  sentiments  of  his  mind.  I  wish  he  were  more 
frequently  admitted  to  private  conferences  and  familiar  con- 
versation. But  if  he  has  with  difficulty  access  to  give  sound 
advice  and  holy  admonitions,  this  fault  will  be  corrected,  I 
hope,  by  time.  If  after  having  finished  the  war,  the  king  will 
seriously  direct  his  attention  to  the  reformation  of  his  churches, 
there  is  no  doubt  but  M.  Laski  will  obtain  that  favour  with 
him  and  all  the  nobility  which  he  merits  for  his  piety,  learning, 
experience,  and  adroitness.  Any  recommendation  of  mine  at 
present  would  not  only  be  useless  but  also  ridiculous.  I  am 
still  uncertain  whether  the  last  letter  to  the  king  which 
Lismannini  carried  with  him  ever  reached  his  hands.  I  there- 
fore dispense  with  writing  till  I  shall  feel  assured  that  my  co- 
operation is  not  repudiated  by  him.  In  the  prosecution  of 
these  duties  I  shall  willingly  address  myself  to  the  illustrious 


had  given  a  favourable  reception  to  Laski.  The  latter  had  added  to  the  letter  of 
Utenhoven,  some  words  addressed  in  haste  to  the  Reformer  of  Geneva  :  "  I  am  at  pre- 
sent so  overwhelmed  with  cares  and  business,  my  dear  Calvin,  that  I  can  write  nothing. 
On  the  one  hand  the  enemies,  on  the  other  false  brethen  assail  us,  so  that  we  have  no 
repose.  But  we  have  many  pious  men,  thanks  be  to  God,  who  are  both  an  aid  and  a 
consolation  to  us.  .  .  farewell." 


1557.]  THE   COUNT   OF    MONTBELIARD. 


325 


prince,  the  Palatine  of  Wilna.  In  a  general  epistle  which  I 
have  determined  to  write,  I  will  study  to  promote  the  same 
end.  In  a  word,  it  shall  not  be  my  fault,  if  M.  Laskido  not 
obtain  that  authority  among  his  countrymen,  of  which  he  is 
worthy.  Of  this  I  think  I  gave  a  very  striking  proof  last 
winter.  When  the  person  whom  you  indirectly  point  at, 
spoke  to  me  at  great  length  about  intestine  feuds,  this  was  my 
reply,  "  The  piety  of  M.  Laski  is  so  perfectly  known  to  me,  that 
I  am  fully  convinced  he  will  labour  faithfully  and  strenuously 
in  extending  the  kingdom  of  Christ."  When  I  commended  his 
doctrine  and  zeal,  I  confessed  it  to  be  possible  that  he  might 
have  erred  now  and  then  from  an  excess  of  austerity;  but  as  I 
was  at  too  great  a  distance  from  him,  I  could  not  pronounce  a 
judgment  on  matters  unknown  to  me.  In  respect  to  my  dedi- 
cation of  some  work  to  the  Duke,  I  can  only  say  that  my 
Commentary  on  the  Psalms  had  been  published  before  your 
letter  came  to  hand;  nor  shall  I  have  another  opportunity 
very  soon.  For  though  I  am  now  revising  my  commentary 
on  Isaiah,  yet  that  labour  will  remain  dedicated  to  the  memory 
of  the  most  excellent  king. 

Farewell,  most  honoured  sir  and  brother.  My  colleagues, 
and  especially  Remond,  salute  you,  for  the  Lord  has  taken  to 
himself  that  most  excellent  man  Saint-Andre\  My  brother 
also  and  many  friends  wish  you  all  kinds  of  prosperity.  May 
the  Lord  always  be  present  with  you,  govern  you  by  his 
Spirit,  and  accompany  you  with  all  his  blessings. 
[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Gotha.     Vol.  404,  p.  19.] 


CCCCLX. — To  the  Count  of  Montbeliard.' 

Explications  concerning  the  Italian  Antitrinitarian  Matteo  Gribaldi. 

Geneva,  2nd  May  1557. 

Most  Illustrious  Prince  and  Seigneur, — When  it  is 
my  greatest  desire  to  comply  with  the  wishes  of  your  highness, 
an  obligation  which  I  consider  due  not  more  to  your  rank 

1  George  de  Wurtemberg.    Vol.  ii.  p.  241,  Note  1. 


326  THE    COUNT    OF    MOXTBELTARD.  [1557. 

and  the  eminence  of  your  family,  than  to  your  distinguished 
virtues,  and  especially  to  your  singular  piety,  I  wish  a  more 
agreeable  occasion,  of  testifying  this  respect  and  proving  my 
duty  to  you,  had  presented  itself.  But  as  it  has  pleased  you 
at  the  present  moment  to  make  some  enquiries  about  Matteo 
Gribaldi,1  I  shall  briefly  explain  to  you  how  he  conducted 
himself  here.  And  first  of  all,  he  lived  in  this  citv  without 
ever  having  professed  his  duty  to  our  senate  or  bound  himself 
by  any  pledge  of  fidelity,  and  was  always  reckoned  in  the  class 
of  strangers  or  foreigners.  But  as  he  was  in  the  habit  of 
coming  here  every  year,  it  is  possible  he  was  among  us  at  the 
time  when  Servetus  was  thrown  into  prison.  And  at  that 
time  dissembling  his  participation  in  the  impious  errors  of 
that  man,  he  contented  himself  with  insinuating,  in  the 
conversations  which  he  held,  that  punishments  ought  not  to 
be  inflicted  on  men  for  holding  false  opinions,  for  that  every 
one  should  be  allowed  liberty  of  conscience.  He  discovered 
afterwards  however,  what  at  first  he  had  concealed,  that  he  had 
complained  of  the  severity  of  our  senate  merely  that  he  might 
have  an  opportunity  of  venting  with  impunity  his  own  im- 
pious ravings.  And  about  that  period  indeed,  I  confess,  he  de- 
manded to  have  a  conference  with  me,  which  I  refused,  because 
I  was  already  acquainted  with  the  temper  of  the  man.  No 
better  method  of  avoiding  his  demand  occurred  to  me,  than 
that  of  requiring  that  proper  witnesses  should  be  present  at 
our  conversation,  a  thing  he  purposely  shunned.  Thus  he  at 
that  time  withdrew.  A  short  time  afterwards  when  he  re- 
turned, I  signified  to  him  through  an  intimate  friend,  that  he 
was  free  to  have  a  fraternal  conference  with  me  if  he  chose, 

1  Matteo  Gribaldi,  a  learned  lawyer  of  Padua,  quitted  that  town  in  1548,  to  with- 
draw from  the  persecutions  directed  against  the  partisans  of  the  Reformed  doctrines, 
and  obtained  by  the  recommendation  of  Vergerio  a  law  professor's  chair  in  the  Uni- 
versity of  Tubingen.  Distinguished  for  the  subtility  of  his  genius,  and  habituated  be- 
times to  the  controversies  on  the  mysteries  of  religion,  he  pronounced  against  the 
doctrine  of  the  Trinity.  Having  purchased  the  estate  of  Farges  in  the  district  of  Gese, 
he  made  frequent  excursions  to  Geneva,  and  adroitly  disseminated  his  doubts  in  the 
bosom  of  the  Italian  congregation  of  that  city.  This  was  the  motive  for  the  sentence 
of  banishment  pronounced  against  him  at  the  instigation  of  Calvin,  and  of  the  rigorous 
measures  which  he  also  incurred  at  Tubingen  and  Berne.  Having  retired  to  Farges 
during  the  latter  years  of  his  life,  he  there  died  of  the  plague  in  1564. 


1557.]  THE    COUNT    OF    MONTBELIARD.  327 

provided  it  were  in  the  presence  of  my  fellow  pastors  and  three 
ecclesiastical  elders.  I  also  let  him  know  beforehand  that  he 
had  no  danger  or  fraud  to  apprehend.  He  consented,  and  came 
to  the  place  which  had  been  appointed.  But  as  he  came  into 
the  apartment  where  we  were  seated,  because  I  did  not  on  his 
first  entry  hold  out  my  hand  to  him,  he  went  off  immediately 
in  a  blustering  manner;  and  yet  politely,  and  even  with  some 
complimentary  phrases,  I  begged  to  be  excused  for  declining 
a  ceremony  with  which  I  did  not  think  it  right  to  comply, 
until  we  should  be  found  to  agree  in  the  principles  of  our 
faith,  for  that  the  affair  we  had  to  treat  of,  was  too  serious  to 
admit  of  our  amusing  ourselves  with  deceitful  ceremonies. 
When  we  saw  that  our  man  could  not  be  appeased  by  friendly 
demonstrations,  we  decided,  that  being  cited  to  appear  in  the 
council  chamber  he  should  give  an  account  of  his  faith.  There 
he  not  only  shuffled,  but  shewed  evidently  that  he  was  un- 
willing to  profess  openly  what  were  his  real  sentiments. 
After  a  short  interval,  however,  some  expressions  escaped  him 
from  which  we  had  no  difficulty  in  concluding  in  what  per- 
nicious errors  he  had  been  entangled.  When  we  counselled 
modestly,  he  shewed  by  his  vainglorious  boasting,  that  nothing 
is  more  audacious  than  ignorance.  Thus  with  such  perverse 
obstinacy  our  pious  and  useful  admonitions  were  of  no  avail. 
Meanwhile  as  a  buckler  to  protect  himself,  he  opposed  to  us 
this  conclusion,  that  it  was  an  undue  and  unjust  degree  of 
rigour  not  to  suffer  him  in  the  city,  because  he  differed  from 
us  in  doctrinal  points  of  faith.  This  objection,  as  it  was  our 
duty,  we  refuted.  The  senate  did  not  think  fit  to  press  any 
further  a  foreigner.  We  too  deemed  it  enough  to  take  care 
that  he  should  no  longer  propagate  among  us  the  poison  of 
his  impiety.  There  is  my  testimony;  your  highness  will  judge 
what  credit  is  to  be  attached  to  it.  Certainly  it  does  not 
proceed  from  enmity,  of  which  none  ever  existed  between  us, 
as  Gribaldi  himself  will  avow.  For  the  rest,  though  he  uttered 
many  other  incoherent  follies,  I  shall  give  you  only  one 
specimen  from  which  your  highness  will  easily  perceive  that 
hitherto  I  have  spoken  with  less  harshness  of  the  man  than  his 
detestable  impiety  warranted  or  even  required.     And  here  it  is 


328  MATTHEW   PFARRER.  [1557. 

not  from  my  own  account  or  that  of  any  other  person  you  will 
have  to  form  your  opinion,  but  as  he  betrayed  by  a  writing  in 
his  own  hand  the  kind  of  doctrine  which  we  condemn  in  him, 
your  highness  will  thence  judge  whether  we  ought  to  suffer 
the  impious  man  who  so  perversely  rends  asunder  the  essence 
of  God,  and  pretends  that  Christ  is  a  newly  invented  divinity, 
different  from  the  Father,  and  of  a  different  essence  from  the 
Father.  But  as  it  is  not  my  purpose  at  present  to  refute  his 
impieties,  lest  the  prolixity  of  my  letter  should  tire  out  your 
patience,  I  conceived  I  should  best  discharge  my  duty,  and  in 
a  manner  most  conformable  to  your  sentiments,  b\T  sending  to 
your  highness  the  confession  written  and  signed  with  his  own 
hand,  in  which  he  attempts  to  exculpate  himself  to  his  Italian 
brethren.  Whence  the  most  illustrious  prince  your  nephew 
will  sufficiently,  and  more  than  sufficiently,  perceive  how  pro- 
fanely and  wickedly  this  wretch  saps  and  perverts  the  chief 
article  of  our  faith. 

Farewell,  most  illustrious  prince,  and  by  me  profoundly 
respected  Seigneur.  I  shall  humbly  supplicate  our  heavenly 
Father  to  support  and  protect  you  and  your  most  illustrious 
consort,  and  to  enrich  you  with  every  blessing. 


CCCCLXL— To  Matthew  Pfarrer.1 

Congratulates  him  on  being  re-elected  to  the  functions  of  Burgomaster — Expresses 
his  desire  for  the  total  abolition  of  the  Catholic  ceremonies  at  Strasbourg. 

Geneva,  19^  May  1557. 

"When  Doctor  Othman  2  wrote  to  me  that  you  had  been  re- 
elected burgomaster,  most  distinguished  sir,  I  had  resolved, 
from  the  respect  I  bear  you,  to  congratulate  you,  and  that  you 
might  with  more  alacrity  discharge  your  functions,  to  add  my 

1  The  friend  of  Bucer  and  of  Sturm,  a  magistrate  as  pious  as  he  was  firm  and  full 
of  capacity.  Pfarrer  contributed  powerfully  to  the  reformation  of  Strasbourg,  and 
thus  deserved  the  eulogies  of  Th.  de  Beza.     Jcones   Virorulh  IUvttrium,  1580. 

a  Since  the  preceding  year  he  had  opened  a  course  of  lectures  on  Civil  Law  at  Stras- 
bourg. 


1557.]  MATTHEW    PFARRER.  329 

good  wishes  and  prayers.  Now  then  that  a  fresh  opportunity 
of  writing  to  you  is  offered  me,  I  willingly  embrace  it.  For 
my  brother,  who  had  been  to  your  city  to  purchase  corn,  in- 
formed me  that  he  had  been  so  courteously  received,  that  he 
had  no  difficulty  in  perceiving  that  my  name  was  with  you  as 
good  as  a  letter  of  recommendation.  If  I  did  not  then  thank 
you  for  this  token  of  your  affection,  I  should  think  myself 
devoid  of  all  politeness.  My  confidence  in  writing  to  you 
was  also  increased,  when  I  reflected  that  it  was  not  at  all 
doubtful  but  that  a  letter  from  me  would  give  you  pleasure. 
And  although  being  naturally  disposed  to  do  your  duty,  you 
stand  in  no  need  of  any  exhortations,  if  nevertheless,  for  the 
sake  of  our  old  friendship,  I  may  venture  freely  to  stimulate 
that  ardour  with  which  you  are  endowed,  this  officiousness 
of  mine  will  not,  I  trust,  be  offensive  to  you.  And  first  of  all 
when  you  see  that  the  eyes  of  all  good  men  are  fixed  on  you 
and  on  your  magistracy,  and  that  they  conceive  greater  hopes 
from  this  year  than  from  the  five  preceding  ones,  this  expec- 
tation lays  you  under  so  sacred  an  obligation  that  you  can- 
not suffer,  from  any  sluggishness  on  your  part,  the  event  to 
disappoint  them.  But  another  consideration  ought  still 
more  sharply  to  stir  up  your  zeal  and  pious  efforts,  which  is 
that,  by  the  admirable  counsel  of  God,  a  remarkable  opportu- 
nity has  now  presented  to  you  of  purging  from  the  defilements 
of  Popery,  your  city,  in  which,  after  having  seen  true  piety, 
and  the  pure  worship  of  God  flourishing  for  thirty  years,  your 
eves  are  now  compelled  to  witness  (what  we  are  convinced 
must  be  to  them  a  sorrowful  spectacle)  a  fresh  invasion  of 
unhallowed  mummeries.  But  it  will  be  to  you  a  source  of 
inestimable  consolation,  if  dying,  you  shall  leave  it  puri- 
fied from  superstitions ;  nay,  if  even  now  in  your  old  age 
you  restore  that  worship  of  God,  in  the  establishing  of  which 
you  formerly  laboured  with  so  much  activity  and  fidelity. 
Another  thing  I  ask  of  you,  and  entreat  it  by  the  sacred  name 
of  Christ,  that  you  take  under  the  protection  of  your  patronage 
the  unfortunate  exiles,  for  the  wretched  condition  of  the  times 
imposes  on  us  the  necessity  of  exercising  hospitality  towards 
one  another. 
42 


330  CONRAD   HUBERT.  [1557. 

Farewell,  most  excellent  sir.  May  the  Lord  always  stand 
by  you,  govern  you  by  the  Spirit  of  invincible  fortitude  and 
holy  prudence,  and  bless  your  magistracy.  Amen, — Truly 
yours, 

John  Calvin, 

[Calvin's  Lot.  Corresp.    Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  114.] 


CCCCLXIL— To  Conrad  Hubert.1 

Thanks  him  for  a  private  service — ecclesiastical  news — sends  him  a  copy  of  verses. 

Geneva,  19th  May  1557. 

The  aid  you  lately  gave  my  brother,  and  other  acts  of  cour- 
tesy you  have  done  me,  are  so  many  proofs  that  I  stand  well 
in  your  affections.  If  in  your  turn  you  should  have  occasion 
for  my  services,  you  will  perceive  that  I  am  not  ungrateful.  It 
happened  very  luckily,  however,  that  he  was  unable  at  that 
time  to  procure  a  greater  quantity  of  corn,  because  a  short 
time  after  my  brother's  departure,  the  dearth  which  bad 
threatened  our  suffering,  common  people  with  famine  dimin- 
ished a  little.  Thus  there  is  no  reason  why  you  should  give 
yourself  any  trouble  in  making  an  excuse,  because  in  the 
small  quantity  which  he  purchased,  he  will  be  put  to  less  ex- 
pense than  if  he  had  been  able  to  procure  more.  The  abdica- 
tion of  Beatus  Venter, *  has  effaced  one  stain  and  blot  from  your 
society,  but  it  will  not  wipe  out  and  clear  away  all  causes  of 
disgrace  from  among  you.  For  I  do  not  reckon  it  a  small 
dishonour  to  your  church,  that  the  associate  of  Joachim 
Westphal  bears  sway  among  you.  He  it  was,  you  know,  who 
reckoned  our  most  excellent  father  Bucer  in  the  number  of 
heretics.  Would  that  Marbach  would  learn  to  embrace  Jesus 
Christ  together  with  his  members,  rather  than  puff  himself  up 

'Conrad  Hubert,  after  having  long  been  secretary  to  Bucer,  whom  he  had  followed 
in  his  exile  to  England,  had  returned  to  Strasbourg  where  he  exercised  the  functions 
of  the  ministry  in  1576,  and  died  at  an  advanced  age. 

8  He  alludes  here  to  the  abdication  of  Beatus  Gering,  to  whom  they  gave  from  deri- 
sion the  nickname  of  Venter  (belly).  Riihrich,  Histoire  de  la  Jieforme  en  Alsace, 
torn,  iv 


1557.]  CONRAD    HUBERT.  331 

with  windy  vanity.  What  you  wrote  to  us  respecting  the 
affairs  of  Saxony,  ought  deservedly  to  affect  us  with  the  deep- 
est sorrow,  though  the  moment  that  Philip  shall  depart  from 
thence  they  will  vent  their  spite  more  atrociously  against  him. 
Nevertheless  it  is  necessary  that  he  should  quit  them  in  order 
that  he  may  at  length  begin  to  feel  himself  free.  All  good 
men  augur  no  very  happy  results  from  the  conference  at 
"Worms.1  I  do  not  see  what  is  to  be  hoped  for  from  Schnef2 
and  such  like  persons.  In  your  name  I  begged  Budd  to  re- 
deem his  pledge.  He  has  promised  that  he  will  take  care  that 
you  shall  receive  something  at  the  time  of  your  fair.  I 
thought  proper  to  have  had  sent  to  you  a  tract  published  a 
short  time  ago  by  Henry  Etienne,  if  perchance  it  should  be 
of  any  use  to  you.  I  had  naturally  rather  a  tarn  for  poetry, 
but  having  bid  adieu  to  it  I  have  composed  nothing  since  the 
age  of  five  and  twenty,  except  that  at  Worms.  I  was  induced 
by  the  example  of  Philip  to  write,  by  way  of  amusement,  the 
poem  which  you  have  read.3  Wherefore  I  have  nothing  of 
my  own  to  insert.  Viret  declares  that  the  muses  are  so  un- 
favourable to  him  that  it  is  impossible  for  him  to  attempt  any 
thing  in  verse. 

Farewell,  most  excellent  sir,  and  my  very  respected  brother. 
Among  your  fellow  pastors,  if  there  are  any,  that  still  remain 
my  friends  besides  M.  Theobald  (for  of  him  I  entertain  no  doubts), 
pray,  salute  them  all  affectionately  in  my  name.  When  I 
passed  by  your  town,  I  was  surprised  not  to  find  M.  Lenglin,4 
though  I  made  enquiries  for  him.  He  seemed  to  fly  from  my 
sight.  May  the  Lord  have  you  in  his  keeping,  support  you 
by  his  power,  and  direct  you  by  his  Spirit.     Amen, — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lett.  orig.  autogr. — Archives  of  the  Protestant  Seminary  of  Strasbourg.] 

1  A  conference  was  convoked  at  Worms  for  the  regulation  of  ecclesiastical  affairs 
in  Germany. 

8  Erard  Schnef,  a  divine  of  Wurtemberg  and  professor  at  the  University  of  Jena. 
He  died  in  1559. 

8  Epinicium  Christo  cantatum,  Geneva,  1541,  in  8vo.  Opera,  torn.  viii. ;  this  piece  is  a 
song  of  the  victory  of  Christ  over  the  Pope.  There  are  some  fhie  verses  in  it.  It  is 
Calvin's  only  poetical  attempt,  who  was  less  richly  endowed  than  Luther  with  the 
gifts  of  poetry  and  music. 

*  Minister  of  the  French  Church  of  Strasbourg. 


332  BULLIXGER.  [1557. 


CCCCLXIIL— To  Btjllinger.1 

Mission  of  Theodore  Beza  to  the  German  Princes  to  demand  the  convocation  of  a 
conference — measures  to  be  adopted  to  insure  its  success. 

Geneva,  30th  May  1557. 

I  have  received  three  letters  from  you,  most  excellent  sir, 
and  venerable  brother,  within  the  last  two  months.  In  the 
first  you  mentioned  that  M.  Peter  Martyr  and  M.  Gualter 
would  come  hither,  but  that  the  state  of  your  health  would 
prevent  you  from  leaving  home.  You  reminded  me  that  there 
was  small  hope  of  success  from  a  private  conference,  as 
Brentz  everywhere  obtains  the  principal  parts,  a  man  of  an 
intractable  character  and  too  much  wedded  to  his  own  undi- 
gested reveries.  For  my  own  part,  though  I  have  often  Dro- 
tested  how  much  such  disputes  were  to  be  apprehended,  never- 
theless I  was  unwilling  for  that  reason  to  shrink  from  them, 
lest  our  adversaries  should  sing  triumph  over  our  distrust. 
But  as  our  excellent  brethren  Farel  and  Beza  have  announced 
to  me  that,  if  the  opportunity  of  a  conference  should  present 
itself,  you  were  disposed  of  your  own  accord  to  embrace  it,  I 
abstain  from  further  remarks,  except  that  I  should  wish  vehe- 
mently to  entreat  you  to  use  your  influence  with  your  illus- 
trious senate,  that  they  might  urge  on  our  neighbours.  For 
the  good  will  of  the  prince,  whom  we  thought  unfavourable  to 
our  cause,-  is  not  to  be  repudiated.  We  should  be  very  prompt 
to  let  him  know  in  good  time,  that  the  desires  of  our  party 
are  all  in  favour  of  his  design.  But  as  the  whole  of  this  task 
must  be  undertaken  by  you,  unless  you  make  haste  and  stren- 
uously urge  the  matter,  it  is  to  be  feared  that  the  others  will 

1  Farel  and  Beza,  charged  with  a  mission  to  the  Protestant  cantons  and  Princes  of 
Germany,  were  on  the  point  of  setting  out  to  solicit  the  meeting  of  a  Synod  in  which 
ehould  appear  the  deputies  of  the  Swiss  and  French  churches.  The  object  of  this  as- 
sembly was  to  proclaim  a  unity  of  doctrine  among  the  different  members  of  the  great 
Reformed  family,  and  thus  place  the  Protestants,  persecuted  either  in  France  or  in 
Piedmont,  under  the  protection  of  the  German  Princes.  Ruchat,  torn.  vi.  p.  203  and 
the  following. 

4  The  Duke  of  Wurtemberg. 


1557.]  BULLIXGER.  333 

eagerly  allow  the  time  to  pass  without  making  any  effort. 
Now  because  it  is  expedient,  nay  almost  indispensable,  that  a 
suitable  witness  should  be  sent  to  remind  the  Prince  of 
Wurtemberg  of  his  promise,  reflect  whether  our  friend  Beza 
should  not  be  sent  there  accompanied  by  one  or  several  per- 
sons. However,  if  you  see  that  that  will  create  difficulties,  I 
should  not  wish  the  least  obstacle  to  be  thrown  in  the  way, 
for  there  will  be  delay  enough  from  other  causes.  I  have 
wished  however  to  expose  to  you  freely  what  must  naturally 
have  suggested  itself  to  your  own  mind,  merely  that  you  may 
turn  it  over  in  your  thoughts.  If  my  advice  is  followed,  there 
will  be  no  mention  of  the  confession  on  the  present  occasion. 
For  should  it  be  difficult  to  gain  access  to  the  prince,  the  con- 
fession will  furnish  a  convenient  pretext  for  insinuating  your- 
selves into  his  presence. 

Now  if  any  one  hostile  to  our  project  should  wish  to  inter- 
pose himself  between  us  and  the  prince,  that  person  will  object, 
before  we  proceed  to  the  conference,  that  we  are  prescribing 
laws,  and  his  objection  will  fall  to  the  ground,  because  the 
prince  will  already  have  anticipated   it.     Nay,  nothing  will 
more  further  our  cause  than  to  assume,  in  our  confession,  that 
the  doctrine  of  our  party  is   substantially  the  same  as  that  of 
our  adversaries,  and   that   with  the   exception   of  one  article, 
there  is  a  fortunate  agreement  between  us.     Thus  a  confession 
respecting  a  clear   and   undoubted   matter  would  remove   all 
grounds  of  controversy.     I  have  not  yet  told  Vergerio  what 
I  have  determined  to  do.     When  an  opportunity  shall  offer,  I 
will  write  to  John  Laski,  not  to  exclude,  by  pressing  matters 
too  rigidly,  the  Waldensian   brethren  from  our  flock.     I  shall 
do  nothing,  however,  without  letting  you  know.     Only  I  told 
Vergerio  that   our   most   excellent  brother   Laski  was   wont 
sometimes  to  be  austere,  but  as  I  have  not  yet  duly  examined 
this  cause,  I  recommended  him  not  to  pronounce  definitively 
respecting  it.     The  Waldenses,  sixteen  years  ago,  when  I  was 
still  at  Strasbourg,  had   sent   a   confession   which   was  there 
approved  of  by  the  most  excellent  Bucer  and  myself;   but  a 
certain  copy  of  it  has  since  been  shewn   me  in    which  there 
are  things  which  I  do  not  approve,  and  which  I  should  be  un- 
willing to  admit. 


33-i  JAMES   ANDRE.  [1557. 

Farewell,  most  accomplished  sir,  and  highly  respected 
brother.  My  salutations  to  M.  Peter  Martyr  and  all  your 
colleagues.  My  fellow  pastors  respectfully  salute  you  all. 
May  the  Lord  protect,  sustain,  and  enrich  you  with  every 
blessing. — Yours, 

John  Calvix. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Archives  of  Zurich.     Gest.  vi.  166,  p.  32.] 


CCCCLXIT.— To  James  Andre.1 

Differences  of  opinion  respecting  the  Lord's  supper. 

Geneva,  1st  August  1557. 

Your  letter,  distinguished  sir  and  respected  brother,  was 
not  a  little  dear  to  me,  at  least  as  coming  from  you,  because 
amid  the  untoward  and  sad  contentions  with  which  I  am  tried, 
it  testifies  that  you  are  always  actuated  by  the  same  feelings 
toward  me.  Would  that  "Westphal  had  left  it  in  my  power  to 
employ  my  efforts  for  the  quieting  of  our  contentions,  with 
that  moderation  with  which  I  had  set  about  it.  This  rage  how- 
ever is  now  surpassed  by  certain  of  his  neighbours  of  Saxony. 
Tbey  openly  declare  that  the  only  reason  they  had  for  their 
wrath,  was  that  I  had  addressed  them  in  a  more  kindly  man- 
ner than  they  desired.  Now  that  their  petulance  compels  me 
to  lay  aside  my  bland  manner,  I  have  been  forced  to  treat 
them  a  little  more  sharply.  This  vehemence  shall  not  prevent 
me,  however,  from  approaching  in  a  quieter  spirit,  any  who 
may  have  a  pacification  really  at  heart.  And  in  truth,  in  pro- 
portion as  the  conflagration  has  raged  more  violently,  it  be- 
comes all  those  to  whom  it  has  been  permitted  hitherto  to  re- 
main in  peace,  to  hasten  to  extinguish  it.  As  I  am  unac- 
quainted with  the  German  language,  I  gave  your  book  to  a 

1  We  see  by  a  letter,  without  date,  of  Calvin's  to  B.irthelemy  Hagen,  that  he  was 
deceived  in  the  hope  which  he  had  at  first  founded  on  the  conciliating  spirit  of  the 
Theologian  of  Tubingen.  "  For  I  was  surprised  to  find  that  he  dissented  not  less  from 
us  than  from  our  professed  enemies,  of  which  thing  he  had  hitherto  given  no 
signs." 


1557.]  MELANCHTHOX.  335 

friend  of  mine  to  peruse  and  let  me  know  the  contents  of  it. 
As  far  as   I  can  understand   it,  without  any  bitterness  or  re- 
proach to  any  one,  I  must  say  that  you  defend  what  1  oppose. 
And  though  I  feel  with  kindness,  and  commend  your  modera- 
tion, it  gives  me  no  small  pain  to  perceive  that  there  is  a 
greater  discrepancy  in  our  sentiments  than  I  had  thought. 
But  that  our  differences  should  not  break  out  into  hostile  bit- 
terness, the  Lord  will,  I  trust,  open  up  a  way.     What  my 
opinion  was  respecting  promiscuous  raanducation,  I  had  for- 
merly exposed,  and  in  this  last  work,  I  repeat  it  again  and 
again.     So  far  am  I  from  being  shaken   by  your  arguments, 
that  I  wonder  it  should  not  have  occurred  to  you,  that  the 
ungodly,  by  rejecting  rather  than  by  receiving  Christ,  call 
down  on  themselves  destruction.     If,  however,  you  desire  any 
explanation  from  me  when  you  shall  have  weighed  my  reasons 
a  little,  be  so  good  as  to  let  me  know.     I  conjecture  no  other 
issue  of  the  conference  at  Worms,  except  that  the  Papists,  by 
spinning  out  the  time,  will  in  their  usual  manner  baffle  the 
princes,  who  are  the  patrons  of  pure  religion. 

Farewell,  most  excellent  sir,  and  respected  brother.  Salute 
Brentius  cordially  for  me.  May  the  Lord  continue  to  direct 
you  by  his  Spirit,  support  you  by  his  strength,  and  increase 
you  with  his  blessing. 

[Calvints  Lot.  Corresp.   Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  114.] 


CCCCLXV.— To  Melanchthon.' 

He  complains  of  the  long  silence  of  Melanchthon,  in  exhorting  him  to  shew  more  firm- 
ness than  he  has  hitherto  done. 

Geneva,  Zd  August  1557. 

How  it  has  happened  that  for  more  than  a  space  of  three 
years,  you  have  not  given  me  one  word  in  reply  to  my  letters, 

1  The  year  1557  saw  realized  a  last  attempt  to  bring  about  a  reconciliation  between 
Rome  and  Lutheranism.  Such  was  the  object  of  the  conference  of  Worms,  convoked 
by  king  Ferdinand,  and  presided  over  by  Julius  Pflug,  bishop  of  Naumburg.  Melanch- 
thon was  present  at  this  conference.  Numerous  were  the  discussions  respecting  the 
rule  of  faith,  which  the  one  party  placed  in  the  common  and  perpetual  consent  of  the 


336  MELAXCHTHON.  [1557. 

I  know  not.  As  moreover  from  so  long  a  silence  I  might  well 
conclude  that  they  were  not  very  agreeable  to  you,  and  even 
that  my  affection  for  you  was  repudiated  by  you,  I  should  not 
have  ventured  at  present  to  write  to  you,  were  I  not  informed 
by  this  excellent  old  man  that  you  still  entertain  the  same 
disposition  of  mind  towards  me,  a  thing  I  should  otherwise 
have  had  some  difficulty  in  believing.  Now  having  recovered 
more  confidence,  because  I  trust  that  during  this  month  you 
will  be  at  Worms,  where  my  letter  will  come  earlier  and 
more  safely  into  your  hands,  I  was  unwilling  to  let  slip  the 
present  opportunity.  I  could  wish  only  that  I  had  a  more 
agreeable  subject  to  write  on.  And  yet  if  you  retain  a  spark 
of  your  old  affection  for  me,  you  will  easily  get  over  the  un- 
easy feeling,  should  you  experience  any,  arising  from  my  un- 
burdening myself  familiarly  of  my  cares  and  sorrows  into  your 
bosom.  That  your  neighbours  have  broken  out  on  me  with  so 
intemperate  a  rage,  is,  I  doubt  not,  when  I  consider  your 
moderation  and  courteousness,  exceedingly  displeasing  to  you; 
nay,  when  they  make  war  not  only  on  one  individual,  but  on 
all  pious  men,  not  on  the  doctrine  of  a  single  person,  but  on 
the  common  faith;  this  ought  to  occasion  you  no  common 
sorrow.  But  as  it  is  no  longer  in  the  power  of  him  who  has 
once  been  dragged  into  this  arena  speedily  to  withdraw  from 
thence,  and  as  it  would  be  absurd  to  treat  these  savage  wild 
beasts  in  the  manner  of  men,  you  will  grant  some  indulgence 
to  my  vehemence  which,  amid  so  much  indignity,  I  have  not 
been  able  to  bridle  in.  If  1  have  given  you  any  personal 
cause  of  offence,  I  do  not  think  that  I  shall  need  to  make  a 
long  apology.  Because  from  time  to  time  I  perceived  that  my 
adversaries  made  use  of  your  name  to  give  a  plausible  colour 
to  the  representations  which  they  employed  to  deceive  the 
ignorant,  that  I  might  not  seem  in  so  clear  a  matter  to  tergiver- 


Church,  the  other  in  the  holy  Scriptures.  The  evangelical  party  unfortunately  al- 
lowed its  sad  divisions  to  break  out  in  asking,  by  the  organ  of  some  of  its  most  violent 
members,  the  condemnation  of  the  Zivinglians.  Thus  discord  did  not  fail  to  increase 
among  the  Reformers  to  the  great  joy  of  the  Catholics  present  at  the  conferences, 
which  were  very  soon  after  broken  up  by  the  departure  of  Melanchthon.  See  Melchior 
Adam,    Vita  Melanchthonis,  p.  348. 


1557.]  MELAXCHTIION.  337 

sate,  (which  would  have  been  far  from  candid,)  I  did  not 
hesitate  more  than  once  to  appeal  to  your  testimony.  I  am 
so  far  from  recognizing  that  in  so  doing  I  was  guilty  of  any 
fault  of  which  it  would  be  worth  while  for  me  to  exonerate 
myself,  that  I  think  I  have  the  very  best  right  to  complain  of 
your  hesitation.  Though  you  shrink  from  noisy  contests,  yet 
you  know  what  Paul  prescribes  by  his  example  to  all  the 
servants  of  Christ.  Certainly  you  cannot  desire  praise  for 
greater  moderation  than  that  which  was  evidenced  in  him. 
When  he  then,  who  was  endowed  with  so  much  forbearance, 
passed  intrepidly  through  seditions,  we  cannot  give  way  where 
the  circumstances  in  our  times  are  by  no  means  so  painful. 
But,  in  one  word,  you  should  maturely  consider  whether  your 
too  obstinate  a  silence  may  not  leave  a  stain  on  your  reputa- 
tion in  the  eyes  of  posterity.  If  you  wait  till  these  hippocen- 
taurs  pierce  you  from  all  sides  with  their  darts,  it  is  to  be 
feared  that  your  confession  will  not  appear  very  seasonable,  or 
rather  it  will  seem  wrung  from  you  by  urgent  necessity. 
What  if  death  should  anticipate  your  wishes?  That  you  may  be 
stripped  of  all  authority  and  that  all  confidence  in  you  may  be 
destroyed,  will  they  not  call  out  that  you  were  slavishly  timid? 
I  do  not  think  you  need  to  be  reminded  in  many  words  how 
necessary  it  is  for  you  to  hasten  to  wipe  out  this  blot  from 
your  character.  If  a  means  of  pacification  is  sought  for,  our 
only  hope  lies  in  a  conference;  which  I  doubt  not  but  you 
desire,  but  which  I  could  wish  that  you  called  for  more 
courageously.  For  when  you  perceive  that  the  princes  not 
only  are  loitering,  but  that  they  are  even  dragged  by  their 
doctors  in  a  contrary  direction,  you  no  doubt  conclude  that 
every  avenue  has  been  closed,  unless  your  authority  should 
serve  as  a  rein  to  some,  and  a  spur  to  others.  I  learned  lately, 
what  I  was  far  from  expecting,  that  the  Duke  of  Wurtemberg 
was  of  his  own  accord  inclined  to  this  measure,  nay.  had  there 
only  been  that  common  politeness  which  there  ought  to  have 
been,  we  were  presented  with  that  opportunity  which  we  con- 
stantly wished  for  ;  but  as  there  lurks  in  many  minds  a  per- 
verse suspicion  that  the  sentiments  of  the  princes  were  too 
much  alienated  from  us  to  admit  of  our  being  listened  to,  all 
43 


338  MELANCHTIIOX.  [1557. 

stand  in  fear  of  the  conference.  They  add,  moreover,  that 
with  the  single  exception  of  yourself,  none  but  intractable 
men  would  come  to  them,  who  would  imperiously  prescribe 
that  there  should  be  no  departure  from  the  opinions  they  had 
thought  fit  to  lay  down.  Nor  is  the  sourness  of  temper,  on 
the  part  of  those  who  hold  this  language,  such  as  would  pre- 
vent them  from  coming  with  good  will  if  they  were  called. 
Beflect  then  that  this  task  now  depends  on  you,  viz.,  that  in- 
fluenced by  your  discourse  the  princes  should  invite  the  men 
of  our  party  to  a  conference,  and  a  convenient  place  for  as- 
sembling might  be  either  at  Strasbourg,  or  Tubingen,  or 
Heidelberg,  or  even  at  Frankfort.  If  you  could  only  obtain 
this,  that  both  parties  would  come  forward  prepared  for  a 
peaceable  discussion,  I  trust  there  would  be  a  better  result 
than  many  suspicious  men  conjecture.  But  if  you  betake 
yourself  again  to  Saxony  before  the  accomplishment  of  this 
business,  I  fear  me  you  will  repent  too  late  that  a  remedy  had 
not  been  applied  by  your  efforts  to  those  fatal  disturbances. 
Moreover  remember  that  in  the  present  case  you  must  enter 
upon  the  work,  not  with  mere  wishes,  but  with  a  vigorous 
solicitude  that,  for  the  accomplishment  of  your  task,  you  must 
set  about  it  with  greater  fervour  than  is  compatible  with  your 
natural  character.  And  now,  even  if  the  princes  shall  not  be 
gained  over,  you  must  not  neglect  what  you  wrote  to  some 
friends  last  year,  namely,  that  you  would  do  your  endeavour 
to  come  yourself  to  the  colloquy  with  some  pious,  upright,  and 
moderate  men.  If  you  class  me  in  the  number  of  such  men, 
no  necessity,  however  urgent,  will  prevent  me  from  putting 
up  this  as  my  chief  vow,  that  before  the  Lord  gather  us  into 
his  heavenly  kingdom,  I  may  yet  be  permitted  to  enjoy  on  earth 
a  most  delightful  interview  with  you,  and  feel  some  alleviation 
of  my  grief  by  deploring  along  with  you  the  evils  which  we 
cannot  remedy. 

Farewell,  most  excellent  sir  and  brother,  whom  from  the 
heart  I  honour.  May  the  Lord  always  govern  you  by  his 
Spirit,  shield  you  with  his  protection,  furnish  you  for  this 
undertaking  with  holy  prudence  and  unshaken  fortitude,  and 
bless  all  your  efforts. 

[Calvin's  Lett.  Corresp.    Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  115.] 


1557.]  THE   SEIGNEURY    OF    BERNE.  339 


CCCCLXVI. — To  the  Seigneury  of  Berne.1 

Protestations  against  an  arbitrary  sentence  of  a  Bernese  Bailiff. 

Geneva,  6^7;  August  1557. 

Eight  worshipful  Lords, — We  are  sent  hither  on  the 
part  of  our  superiors  to  make  known  to  you  their  complaints, 
in  as  much  as  they  have  been  ill-treated,  a  thing  evident  to  all, 
when  we  consider  the  fine  promises  with  which  you  have  fed 
them,  and  still  more  the  entreaties  and  exhortations  which 
were  addressed  to  you  by  the  Seigneurs  of  the  Leagues  your 
allies,  not  to  molest  the  city  of  Geneva  by  acts  of  violence,  but 
to  settle  your  differences  by  the  course  of  justice.  Now  if  you 
say  that  you  attempt  to  compass  nothing  by  violence,  we 
would  beg  you  to  reflect  better  on  the  reasons  which  have  been 
already  pointed  out  to  your  consideration,  and  which  we  will 
here  briefly  recapitulate. 

'Encouraged  by  the  bad  understanding  that  existed  between  Berne  and  Geneva,  the 
fugitive  Libertins  posted  themselves  in  arms  at  the  bridge  of  Aroe,  and  there  commit- 
ted all  sorts  of  excesses  which  the  tribunals  of  Berne  left  unpunished.  The  Procureur 
General  of  Geneva  having  laid  a  complaint  in  June  155"  before  the  Bailiff  of  Ternier, 
the  latter  at  first  refused  to  judge  the  affair  that  was  submitted  to  him;  reflecting  more 
maturely  afterwards,  he  pretended  to  call  before  his  tribunal  the  trial  of  the  Libertins, 
and  reconsider  their  sentence.  The  Genevese  protested  that  such  a  decision  of  the 
Bailiff  was  null,  as  being  an  infringement  on  their  sovereignty.  The  decision  was 
not  the  less  confirmed  by  the  Court  of  Appeals  of  Berne,  in  spite  of  the  absence  of  the 
Procureur,  who  being  judged  by  the  Bailiff  of  Ternier  without  being  heard  in  his 
own  defence,  had  not  appealed  to  a  higher  tribunal.  The  Bailiff  went  still  further, 
and  by  a  sentence  of  the  5th  of  August  he  pronounced  the  fugitives  liberated  from  the 
accusation  brought  against  them,  condemning  the  Genevese  to  pay  the  costs.  This 
extraordinary  procedure  pursued  in  defiance  of  all  right,  and  reducing  a  sovereign 
state  to  the  rank  of  a  subject  city,  excited  much  irritation  at  Geneva.  The  councils 
assembled  in  an  extraordinary  meeting  humbled  themselves  before  God  at  the  voice 
of  Calvin,  and  resolved  to  resist  oppression  by  all  legal  means:  "  For  remedy  we  see 
no  other,  but  having  recourse  to  the  Ligues  in  order  to  form  our  complaints  before 
them,  for  so  many  acts  of  extortion  and  violence,  but  that  in  the  mean  time  it  might 
be  proper  to  go  first  to  Berne  and  shew  the  Seigneury  of  that  city  that  the  manner  in 
■which  we  are  treated  is  altogether  insupportable."  Registers  of  the  Councils,  5th  and 
6th  August,  1557.  Roset,  Chroniqtte,  vi.  26.  Two  deputies,  Le  Franc  and  Louis  Roset, 
set  out  immediately  from  Geneva  with  a  memorial  of  the  Seigneury  which  Calvin 
himself  had  drawn  up. 


340  THE    SEIGXEURY    OF    BERXE.  [1557. 

You  are  aware  that  during  the  time  of  the  state-alliance  be- 
tween our  two  cities,'  when  we  required  you,  in  virtue  of  the 
mutual  obligation  which  bound  us  to  maintain  the  honour  of 
both  cities,  to  be  pleased  to  take  measures  to  prevent  our  being 
outraged,  as  we  were,  by  those  on  whom  we  had  pronounced  a 
condemnation  ;  that  you  constantly  gave  us  a  favourable  an- 
swer, declaring  that  if  we  called  for  justice  it  should  be  granted 
to  us  promptly  and  impartially,  and  that  you  had  given  orders 
to  your  officers  to  that  effect.  Meanwhile,  seeing  no  result 
from  your  promises,  and  the  evil  on  the  contrary  always  aug- 
menting, we  have  come  to  the  resolution,  after  much  long  suf- 
fering, to  ascertain  if  justice  shall  be  done  us.  Nevertheless, 
to  avoid  all  cavilling  and  crooked  subtilties,  in  presenting  the 
cause  we  have  expressly  protested  that  the  enquiry  should  be 
limited  to  the  fact  of  the  outrages,  without  attacking  the 
sentences  we  have  pronounced,  for  which  moreover  there  is 
no  reason  nor  pretext. 

Even  had  such  protestation  not  been  made,  you  are  yet 
aware  that,  by  common  equity,  if  the  most  humble  person  in 
the  world  has  sustained  an  injury,  it  is  the  business  of  him 
who  denounces  the  injury  to  prove  the  fact,  or  otherwise  he 
will  be  condemned.  How  much  more  then  should  this  man- 
ner of  proceeding  be  maintained,  when  it  is  justice  itself  which 
has  been  outraged  by  malefactors?  Now  so  far  are  we  from 
having  been  treated  with  that  equity  which  has  always  been 
observed  towards  the  most  contemptible  of  mankind,  that  we 
have  been  subjected  by  your  Bailiff  to  prove  that  we  had 
justly  condemned  our  own  subjects,  and  that  too  according  to  his 
manner  of  viewing  the  question.  And  more  than  that,  he  has 
not  failed  to  proceed  against  us  in  favour  of  the  said  convicts, 
though  they  had  participated  in  an  action  which  was  common 
to  them  and  two  persons  that  were  hanged  under  your  jurisdic- 
tion and  by  your  order.  Nowsince  those  two  were  named  as  as- 
sociates in  the  trial,  and  the  convicts  that  survive  had  received 
and   avowed  them  for    their  accomplices,  as  the  public  acts 


1  The  treaty  of  alliance  between  Berne  and  Geneva  had  expired  the  8th  of  Febru- 
ary 1566. 


1557.]  THE   SEIGN"EURY    OF   BERNE.  341 

testify,  the  least  thing  their  heirs  could  do  was  to  adopt  their 
cause,  since  the  action  of  which,  both  parties  were  accused 
was  one  and  the  same.  In  that  we  had  sufficiently  just  cause 
for  appeal,  and  also,  because,  without  waiting  to  see  if  we 
should  appeal  or  not,  contrary  to  all  legal  forms,  your  bailiff 
adjourned  to  the  eighth  day  following,  the  parties  having 
the  right  of  appeal  in  your  city.  And  while  the  most  insig- 
nificant individual  shall  have  ten  days  to  introduce  an  appeal 
if  he  think  proper,  we  your  neighbours  are  forestalled  of  this 
common  right,  and  before  having  opened  our  lips  we  are  sent 
before  your  judges  of  appeal,  if  we  pretend  to  appeal.  Now 
fur  these  reasons  we  did  not  appeal,  but  our  Procureur  pro- 
tested that  the  whole  affair  was  null,  because  in  truth  the 
sentence  of  the  Bailiff  was  null  de  facto,  as  we  shall  shew  by 
and  by,  more  distinctly.  But  be  that  as  it  may,  your  judges 
on  appeals,  nevertheless,  took  cognizance  of  the  cause  without 
our  being  able  to  decline  their  authority,  seeing  that  it  was 
arbitrarily  brought  before  them.  We  beg  you  to  reflect  duly 
if  such,  a  thing  was  ever  seen  or  heard  of  as  judges  on  appeal 
taking  cognizance  of  an  affair  in  which  none  of  the  parties 
have  ever  appealed,  or  casting  one  of  the  parties  for  non-ap- 
pearance, without  having  adjourned  the  cause.  And  to  shew 
you  how  much  we  had  to  hope  in  making  an  appeal,  whereas 
your  Bailiff  had  reserved  the  expenses  of  the  suit  till  the  pro- 
nouncing of  the  definitive  sentence,  the  said  judges,  without 
giving  us  a  hearing,  have  condemned  us  to  pay  all  the  costs. 

You  now  declare  that  we  ought  to  have  appealed,  if  we  had 
been  aggrieved.  And  in  fact  there  were  but  too  many  reasons 
for  doing  so.  But  we  have  not  so  far  forgotten  the  favour 
which  God  has  granted  us,  as  to  place  our  jurisdiction  in  the 
hands  of  you.-  Bailiff,  or  your  judges,  or  any  other  aliens 
whatever.  And  because  by  your  letters  it  appears  that  you 
have  perfectly  understood  the  necessity  which  compelled  us  to 
make  a  protestation  of  nullity,  we  shall  in  this  place  briefly 
renew  it,  begging  you  to  reflect  on  it  more  maturely. 

Even  though  your  Bailiff  should  not  have  judged  our  cause 
to  our  satisfaction,  still  we  should  have  had  patience,  making 
use  of  the  usual  remedy,  an  appeal ;  and  though  we  had  not 


342  THE   SEIGXEURY   OF    BERXE.  [1557 

obtained  in  your  city  what  we  expected,  we  had  also  made  up 
our  minds  to  arm  ourselves  with  patience  with  regard  to  this 
point.  But  when  your  Bailiff,  expressly  in  opposition  to  our 
protestation  and  the  form  of  the  process  that  had  been  brought, 
undertook  to  judge  respecting  us,  and  notoriously  overstepped 
the  bounds  of  his  authority,  and  not  only  judged  our  cause, 
but  infringed  moreover  our  rights,  in  such  a  manner  as  no 
free  city  would,  or  should,  do  in  respect  to  another,  it  would 
have  been  the  height  of  folly  in  us  to  appeal  from  his  sentence, 
as  if  he,  or  even  those  whom  he  charged  to  judge  our  subjects, 
had  possessed  any  jurisdiction  over  us. 

In  one  word,  though  there  had  been  no  protest,  it  was  your 
Bailiffs  duty  to  pronounce  judgment  simply  on  the  fact  of  the 
wrongs,  unless  it  was  his  intention  to  introduce  a  new  custom; 
namely,  that  all  malefactors  might  bring  an  action  against  their 
judges,  declaring  that  they  had  been  unjustly  condemned. 
But  the  protestation  had  barred  your  Bailiff  from  taking  any 
such  cognizance,  which  nevertheless  he  has  done,  and  in  so 
doing  has  gone  bevond  the  limits  of  the  cause.  It  is  for  that 
reason  we  made  a  protestation  of  the  nullity  of  the  procedure, 
in  which  protestation  we  persist,  and  cannot,  without  doing 
ourselves  the  greatest  detriment,  enter  upon  an  appeal,  the 
rather  that  it  would  be  making  subjects  of  ourselves,  a  thing 
which  you  should  neither  pretend  nor  desire. 

In  the  mean  time  your  Bailiff,  having  rated  the  costs  in 
which  under  pretext  of  our  non-appearance  he  cast  us,1  with- 
out any  adjournment,  gave  a  definitive  sentence  against  us.  con- 
demning our  Procureur  General  to  make  an  honourable  repa- 
ration to  convicts  justly  sentenced  to  the  gibbet,  which  repa- 
ration they  on  the  contrary  were  held  to  make  to  us,  together 
with  all  the  damages  and  costs.  We  are  not  so  blind  as  not 
to  perceive  the  object  and  tendency  of  all  these  proceedings. 
And  in  fact  it  was  but  too  evident  that  the  adverse  party  held 
themselves  well  assured  of  gaining  their  cause  even  before  the 
judge  had  pronounced  his  sentence;   for,  all  at  once,  they  be- 

1  The  costs  of  the  process  were  fixed  at  1400  florins  7  sols,  instead  of  2000  crowns, 
which  the  exiles  had  demanded.     Roset,  vi.  25. 


1557.]  THF.   SEIG-NEUBY    OF   BERNE.  343 

came  gallant  horsemen,  though  their  rank  was  that  of  humble 
pedestrians,  and  no  one  had  ever  seen  them  on  horseback  be- 
fore, just  as  if  they  had  wished  to  shew  that  our  purse  was 
in  their  hands.  But  of  that  we  take  no  further  notice,  for  it 
is  not  your  business.  Only  in  what  concerns  you,  we  entreat 
you  in  God's  name,  to  appreciate  better  the  remonstrances  we 
have  already  made  you,  that  all  the  legal  procedure  which  has 
been  gone  through  since  the  sentence  of  your  Bailiff,  by  which 
he  enjoined  that  our  suits  should  be  carried  before  him  to  be 
decided,  is  null  and  void.  The  fact  is,  that  he  himself  has 
sufficiently  proved  this,  for  before  he  issued  his  injunction  to 
that  effect,  he  requested  our  Procureur  General  to  consent  to 
withdraw  his  protestation,  and  seeing  that  he  could  not  obtain 
that,  he  declared  that  he  could  not  pronounce  a  sentence  unless 
he  were  enjoined  to  do  so. 

He  saw  clearly  then  that  it  was  unlawful  for  him  to  attempt 
what  he  afterwards  did,  we  know  not  by  what  authority  or 
permission.  But  since  so  it  is.  we  beg  you  to  let  us  know  if 
you  are  content  to  submit  the  decision  of  the  affair  to  the  diet 
of  Baden,  as  our  superiors  have  always  thought  you  would  do, 
though  indeed  they  have  been  much  astonished,  that  after 
having  twice  or  thrice  required  and  solicited  you  to  hold  a 
common  meeting,  in  which  the  differences  between  city  and 
city  should  be  enquired  into,  you  have  lent  a  deaf  ear  to  the 
proposal,  which  is  not  as  we  imagine  agreeable  to  the  intentions 
of  your  allies. 

We  know  that  you  are  strong  and  powerful,  but  so  much 
the  more  ought  you  to  moderate  the  power  which  God  has 
bestowed  on  you,  to  support  your  poor  brethren,  so  that  they 
mav  hold  intercourse  with  you.  On  our  part  we  are  well  aware 
of  our  littleness,  and  are  not  so  devoid  of  common  sense,  thank 
God,  as  to  have  an  overweening  idea  of  ourselves.  But  unless 
you  be  pleased  to  come  to  our  aid  by  some  timely  remedy,  we 
cannot  endure  to  be  thus  trodden  under  foot,  without  seeking 
redress  where  we  hope  to  find  it,  and  as  God  has  given  us  an 
opening:  tfyat  is  the  lords  of  the  Ligues  will  ascertain  on 
which  side  is  the  right  or  the  wrong.  Nevertheless  we  trust 
that  having  heard  these  reasons  in  which  we  have  opened  our 


34:4:  BULLIXGER.  [1557. 

hearts  to  you,  you  will  on  your  part  give  us  such  an  equitable 
answer,  as  will  satisfy  our  Seigneurs,  and  cause  the  troubles 
and  scandals  which  might  ensue  to  be  put  down.  And  in 
truth  the  devil  has  already  had  but  too  free  scope,  without  our 
furnishing  him  fresh  materials.  For  the  rest,  in  case  your 
Bailiff  undertake  anything  with  the  intention  of  putting  his 
sentence  in  execution,  we  protest  that,  whatever  colour  or  form 
of  justice  he  may  try  to  give  it,  it  will  be  but  an  act  of  violence 
and  oppression  from  which  we  pray  you  to  refrain. 
[Fr.  orig.  in  Calvin's  hand. — Arch,  of  Geneva.] 


CCCCLXVIL— To  Bullixger. 

Theological  labours — explanation  on  the  subject  of  a  confession  of  faith  presented  by 
Theodore  de  Beza.     Malady  of  Celso  Martinengo. 

Geneva,  7th  August  1557. 

"While  I  am  occupied  and  strenuously  labouring  in  the  de- 
fence of  our  common  doctrine,1  I  cannot  for  very  sorrow 
tell  you  how  unjust  a  reward  for  my  pains  I  meet  with  from 
our  neighbours.  This  friend  of  ours  will  inform  you.  And 
our  good  brethren  who  daily  from  the  pulpit  harangue  on 
the  communion  of  the  saints,2  are  not  moved  by  so  great  a 
danger.  If  they  are  touched  by  no  concern  for  the  state  of 
this  city,  how  can  they  sit  quiet  spectators  of  the  ruin  of  the 
church?  I  do  not  speak  hyperbolically.  Know  that  unless 
we  be  speedily  succoured,  the  fortunes  of  all  the  citizens  will 
be  given  up  as  a  prey  to  our  exiles,  and  their  persons  thrown 
into  prison,  lest  any  one  should  venture  to  escape.  This  in- 
dignity, though  it  should  be  concealed  by  the  silence  of  men, 
ought  to  rouse  the  very  stones  to  cry  out.  I  hope,  however, 
that  as  soon  as  the  thing  shall  be  made  known,  a  timely 
remedy  will  be  found.  I  am  well  aware  that  neither  your 
good  faith  nor  your  activity  will  fail  us  among  your  fellow- 

1  Calvin  published  this  year  his  third  defence  against  Westphal,  "  Ultima  admonitio 
ad  Wutphalum,"  etc.,  in  8vo.  Geneva,  1557;  see  Opera  torn,  viii.'  and  Opuscules. 
"  Alluding  to  the  Bernese,  p.  268,  note  2. 


1-557.]  BULLTXGER.  345 

citizens.  Whether  I  have  conducted  myself  adroitly  among 
the  Saxons,  you  yourselves  shall  judge,  for  I  have  preferred 
to  send  you  my  work  not  yet  quite  finished,  rather  than  keep 
you  in  suspense  waiting  for  it.  When  I  know  that  I  have 
brought  on  myself  the  hatred  of  all,  it  will  afford  me  no  com- 
mon consolation  if  the  accomplishment  of  my  duty  has  at  least 
met  with  your  approbation.  Certainly  because  I  was  confident 
that  I  was  engaged  in  a  work  pleasing  to  God,  I  have  not 
hesitated  with  intrepidity  and  alacrity  to  stir  up  against  my- 
self the  fury  of  those  wild  beasts. 

As  there  is  no  lurking  danger  in  Beza's  confession,1  I 
readily  excuse  him,  because,  in  consideration  of  the  brethren, 
with  studied  moderation  he  has  endeavoured  to  conciliate  fierce 
men,  especially  as  he  previously  distinctly  explained  all  his 
different  meanings.  If  on  his  return  he  did  not  communicate 
it  to  you,  be  perfectly  assured  that  that  happened  from  mere 
inadvertency.  Nor  should  I  have  known  any  thing  about  it, 
unless  Valerand  had  disseminated  his  poison  as  far  as  this, 
whose  ambition  or  temerity  forced  the  French  and  English 
strangers  at  Frankfort  to  subscribe  the  Confession  of  Au^sbur^, 
with  one  exception  however,  respecting  the  word  substantially. 
It  was  decreed  that  the  German  preachers  should  not  hence- 
forward give  them  any  molestation  until  the  leaders  of  both 
parties  should  come  to  some  agreement.  I  wish  that  the 
crabbedness  of  your  citizens  had  not  thrown  any  obstacles  in 
the  way  of  its  reception,  which  was  what  we  should  greatly 
have  desired,  but  for  what  cause  it  was  rejected  I  know  not. 

Farewell,  most  accomplished  and  honoured  brother.  I  pray 
you  carefully  to  salute  M.  Peter  Martyr,  M.  Gualter.  and  your 
other  colleagues.     All  your  friends  respectfully  salute  you. 

The  Count  Martinengo  is  still  confined   to  bed,  but  out  of 

danger.     For  four  or  five  days  we  despaired  of  his  life.     Now 

the  debility  arising  from  his  illness,  alone  detains  him  in  bed. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Archives  of  Zurich.     Gest.  vi.  166,  p.  33.] 

1  This  confession  was  that  which  Beza  and  Farel  had  presented  in  the  name  of  the 
Waldenses  to  the  Protestant  princes  of  Germany,  as  in  all  points  conformable  to  those 
of  the  Swiss  churches.  The  Theologians  of  Zurich  complained  that  it  was  ambiguous, 
and  that  it  had  not  been  previously  communicated  to  them.  Ruchat,  torn.  vi.  p.  205, 
and  the  followiug. 
44 


346  THE    SEIGNEURY    OF    BERNE.  [1557. 


CCCCLXV1II. — To  the  Seigneury  of  Berne.' 

Demand  to  annul  the  sentence  of  the  Bailiff  of  Ternier. 

Iteneva,  ISth  August  1557. 

Eight  worshipful,  puissant,  and  most  redoubtable 
Seigneurs. — Our  ambassadors  have  put  us  in  possession  of 
the  answer  which  they  had  from  you  on  the  11th  of  this  month; 
and  though  we  are  far  from  being  as  well  acquainted  with 
your  intentions  as  we  could  have  desired,  however,  as  the 
common  diet  of  Baden  will  soon  meet,  in  which  it  will  be 
expedient,  nay,  indispensablv  necessary,  that  the  worshipful 
Seigneurs,  your  allies,  should  know  what  has  been  transacted 
between  us,  that  matters  may  not  always  remain  in  a  state  of 
suspense;  we  have  judged  it  fitting,  without  waiting  for  any 
further  answer,  to  notify  to  you  that  on  the  last  day  but  one 
of  this  month,  our  deputies  will  arrive  in  your  town,  to  treat, 
if  such  is  your  pleasure,  about  some  amicable  arrangement 
before  it  be  necessary  to  take  further  steps.  Already  we  have 
begged  and  solicited  you  to  the  same  effect,  and  it  is  to  us 
matter  of  astonishment  what  circumstance  can  have  prevented 
vou  from  giving  us  a  single  word  in  answer  to  our  request. 
Nevertheless  when  you  shall  feel  disposed  to  favour  us  with  a 
communication,  it  will  be  better  late  than  never.  If,  moreover, 
you  will  be  pleased  to  inform  us  more  amply  of  your  intentions 
bv  this  messenger  it  would  give  us  much  pleasure,  and  we  beg 
vou  to  do  so,  that  we  may  have  it  in  our  power  to  give  better 
instructions  to  our  deputies. 

1  The  deputies  of  Geneva  having  arrived  at  Berne,  obtained  a  delay  for  the  sentence 
of  the  Bailiff  of  Ternier,  but  without  being  able  to  conclude  a  definitive  arrangement. 
Registers  of  the  Council,  l?th  August  1557  :  "  Letter  of  our  deputies  in  Switzerland 
by  which  they  inform  us  of  what  they  have  done  at  Berne  and  Soleure,  and  that  they 
have  agreed  to  fix  upon  an  amicable  meeting  to  be  held  at  Berne  on  the  30th  of  this 
month,  and  to  which  the  council  has  appointed  the  Seigneurs  Curtet  and  Migerand." 
This  meeting  had  no  results,  and  the  discords  between  the  two  towns  survived  the 
renewal  of  their  alliance,  which  was  accomplished  the  9th  of  January,  1558. 
vi.  35.     Ruchat,  torn.  vi.  p.  229. 


1557.]  THE   SEIGXEURY    OF    BERNE.  347 

One  point  there  is  on  which  we  cannot  dissemble.  To  hold 
a  friendly  conference  for  the  purpose  of  entering  into  an  ar- 
rangement with  the  runaways  that  our  tribunals  have  condemned, 

is  a°thing  not  for  one  moment  to  be  thought  of.     We  should 
prefer  coming  to  any  extremity  rather  than  derogate  in   any 
one  instance  from  our  judicial  acts,  or  make  an   arrangement 
to  the  detriment  of  our  honour,  and  expose  ourselves   to  the 
blame,  insults,  and  opprobrium  which  have  been  already  cast 
upon  us.     For  you  see  that  it  is  a  thing  not   to  be   tolerated, 
that  your  Bailiff,  not  being  a  competent  judge,  nay,  more  than 
that, having  absolutely  no  title  to  examine,  or  takecognizance  of 
anything  in  this  business,  has  nevertheless,  annulling  sentences 
pronounced  by  our  sovereign  authority,  condemned  us  to  make 
reparation.     Accordingly,  we  trust  that  before  all  things  some 
expedient  will   be  adopted   to  abrogate   such  a  sentence,  a 
sentence  so  extraordinary  and  exorbitant,  that  we  desire  that 
the  knowledge  of  it  may  not  spread  farther,  but  that  by  your 
wisdom  it  may  be  annulled,  as   in  law  it  must  be  held  null. 
We  shall    say   nothing  further   respecting   it,  supposing  that 
without  anyfurther  remonstrance  on  our  part,  the  thing  can- 
not appear  to  you  either  doubtful  or  obscure. 

For  the  rest,  when  our  honour  shall  be  re-established,  our 
convicts  remaining  charged  with  the  condemnation  we  have 
pronounced  on  them,  we  are  not  persons  who  could  wish  to 
refuse  to  gratify  you  as  far  as  it  shall  be  in  our  power.  We 
beg  you  Then  affectionately  to  be  pleased  to  give  orders  that 
our  deputies  obtain  a  hearing  upon  their  arrival,  and  make  a 
further  trial,  if  it  be  possible,  to  devise  some  proper  means  of 
coming  to  a  good  understanding,  as  well  with  regard  to  our 
state-alliance,  as  other  matters;  in  order  that  the  report  of  the 
proceedings  may  be  laid  before  your  allies  at  the  next  assem- 
bly,  the  rather  that  a  longer  delay  cannot  but  be  detrimental. 
You  see  also  that  the  existing  troubles  should  urge  you  to 
seek  for  a  solid  pacification.  (Hereupon  praying  our  Lord  to 
endow  you  with  his  grace).1 

[Fr.  orig.  in  Calvin's  hand.— Arch,  of  Geneva.] 

1  In  the  handwriting  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Republic. 


348  THE   AMBASSADORS   OF   GENEVA.  [1557. 


CCCCLXIX. — To  the  Ambassadors  of  Geneva,  deputed 

TO  THE  LlGUES.1 

An  order  to  repair  with  all  dispatch  to  Baden. 

Geneva,  ISth  August  1557. 

Noble,  wise,  trusty  and  well  beloved  Brethren, — 
Having  been  informed  by  your  letters  of  what  you  had  done 
at  Berne,  we  have  notified  to  the  Seigneurs  of  that  city,  a 
friendly  conference  for  the  last  day  but  one  of  the  present 
month,  to  devise  some  means  of  getting  rid  of  these  heart- 
burnings. And  because  the  affair  is  of  importance,  it  will  be 
necessary  to  have  there  a  greater  number  of  people  than  we 
had  decided  upon  sending:  contrive  to  make  such  haste  as  to  be 
present,  for  your  absence  would  greatly  compromise  our  in- 
terests. Wherefore  we  beg  and  exhort  you  not  to  be  a 
wanting.  We  are  quite  convinced  that  the  reports  which  you 
have  heard  as  you  passed,  have  not  prevented  you  from  ac- 
complishing your  commission;  and  counting  the  days  we 
doubt  not,  but  that  you  will  arrive  in  time  to  negotiate  at 
Berne,  if  so  be  that  there  is  any  chance  of  appeasing  some  of 
the  differences.  But  notwithstanding,  the  moment  you  re- 
ceive this,  make  all  the  haste  possible.  Meanwhile  may  God 
have  you  in  his  keeping,  and  continually  guide  you  till  he 
bring  you  back  in  full  prosperity,  to  the  end  that  we  may 
have  still  more  reason  to  praise  him. 

[Fr.  original  in  Calvin's  hand. — Archives  of  Geneva.] 

1  Favourably  received  by  the  Diet  of  the  Ligues  at  Baden,  (September  1557,)  the 
deputies  there  exposed  the  subject  of  their  complaints  against  Berne.  At  their  de- 
tnand  the  Cantons  exhorted  the  Bernese  to  moderation,  and  offered  to  act  as  mediators 
between  the  two  towns.     Roset,  vi.  28.     Ruebat,  torn.  vi.  p.  191. 


1557.]  WILLIAM   OF   HESSE.  349 


CCCCLXX.— To  William  of  Hesse.1 

Recommendation  of  a  young  French  Seigneur  stripped  of  his  property. 

Geneva,  Zdth  August  1557. 

Most  Illustrious  Prince  and  Seigneur,— This  intimate 
friend  of  mine,  who  on  account  of  his  piety  and  other  virtues 
is  very  dear  to  me,  purposing  to  visit  your  Highness,  has  per- 
suaded himself  that  if  he  carried  a  letter  from  rne  his  reception 
would  be  more  friendly.     By  force  then  of  solicitation  he  has 
wrunor  from    me  my  consent   to  do  him   this  friendly  office. 
For  as  I  deservedly  feared,  if  I  should  attempt  to  set  forth 
others  by  my  commendation,  being  myself  unknown  and  not 
possessed  of  any  great   influence  or  authority,  that  I   should 
incur  the  disgrace  of  foolish  forwardness,  I  more  than   once 
begged  to  be  excused.     But  when  he  declared  repeatedly  that 
he  had  learned  from  my  brother  John  Gamier,  that  this  duty 
of  mine  would  not  be  disagreeable  to  your  Highness,  he  at 
length  prevailed  on   me  to  write.     He  had  been   already  at 
your  court  last  year,  and  had  made  mention  of  a  son  of  his 
wife's,  whom,  for  the  sake  of  testifying  his  deference  to  you,  he 
has  resolved  to  present  to  the  illustrious  prince  your  father 
and  to  yourself.     The  young  man  is  of  high  birth,  of  an  ancient 
and  wealthy  family,  his  mother  of  singular  piety  and  distin- 
guished virtues;  the  excellent  woman,  when  to  fly  from  idola- 
try, she  abandoned  her  country,  made  no  account  of  her  ample 
revenues,  but  by  no  means  neglected  her  son,  whom  she  con- 
sidered as  her  most  precious  treasure.     This  greatness  of  soul 
is  worthy  of  no  small  praise,  to  have  preferred,  in  despising 
the  riches  of  the  world,  to  burden  herself  with  this  youth,  the 
companion  of  her  exile,  rather  than  leave  him  in  the  pollution 
and  defilement  of  Popery.     Hence  it  is  that  his  relations  have 
alighted,  as  on  a  prey  prepared  for  them,  on  the  property  of 

1  Third  son  of  the  known  Landgrave,  Philip  the  Magnanimous.     He  was  Count  of 
Hesse  Rheifelds,  and  died  in  the  year  1583. 


350  BULLIXGER.  [1557- 

the  young  minor.  But  the  very  sagacious  mother,  and  also 
bis  stepfather,  having  known  the  disposition  of  the  young  man} 
are  apprehensive  that  as  he  grows  up,  repining  at  being  de- 
prived of  a  splendid  patrimony,  he  may  return  to  France,  and 
too  covetously  bent  on  recovering  his  fortune,  may  perchance 
forsake  the  church  of  Christ.  To  obviate  this  evil,  the  follow- 
ing has  seemed  to  them  the  most  eligible  method;  viz.,  that 
aided  by  the  influence  of  your  illustrious  house  he  might  re- 
cover from  that  shipwreck  of  his  fortunes,  at  least  some  part 
which  might  suffice  for  him  to  live  in  a  modest  style.  That 
they  may  not  seem  however  to  consult  their  own  interests  by 
putting  you  to  trouble  and  inconvenience,  all  they  desire  is 
that  the  lad  should  be  enrolled  under  the  protection  of  your 
illustrious  house,  a  thing  which  I  trust  it  will  not  be  difficult 
to  obtain.  I  had  thus  no  other  motive  for  writing,  but  that 
your  Highness  might  be  further  encouraged  by  my  testimony 
to  accord  this  kindness;  and  that  the  illustrious  prince  your 
father,  if  need  should  be,  being  informed  of  the  family  of  the 
youth  and  the  virtue  of  the  mother,  might  confirm  more 
willingly  and  amply  the  favour  which  he  has  already  of  his 
own  accord  granted.  May  the  Lord  preserve  safe  and  flourish- 
ing your  most  illustrious  father,  and  your  whole  house,  and 
enrich  it  with  all  blessings. 

[Lat.  orig. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 


CCCCLXXL— To  Bullinger. 

lie  urges  him  to  adhere  to  the  project  of  the  assembling  of  a  conference.     News  of 
Geneva  and  France. 

Geneva,  31«(  Aurjvrt  1557. 

As  I  sent  you  not  only  the  remaining  part,  but  also  another 
copy  of  my  tract,1  I  eagerly  expect  your  opinion.  However 
they  may  continue  to  rage  against  me,  I  shall  always  intrepidly 
receive  all  their  attacks.  For  nothing  can  happen  to  me 
which  I  had  not  anticipated  from  the  beginning.     Not  even 

1  See  note  1,  p.  344. 


1557.]  BULLINGER.  351 

the  ingratitude  of  certain  persons  shall  ever  make  me  repent 
of  the  work  which  I  have  undertaken.  I  agree  with  you  re- 
specting the  pride  or  the  obstinacy  of  the  adverse  party,  and 
yet  nothing  shall  prevent  me  from  adopting  the  offered  op- 
portunity of  a  conference.1  If  you  do  not  adhere  to  it,  see 
what  a  charge  of  rashness  I  have  thoughtlessly  brought  on 
myself,  since  I  pledged  myself  for  all  of  you  to  Philip;  in  des- 
pairing of  the  results,  your  opinion  is  not  materially  different 
from  my  own.  But,  believe  me,  our  adversaries  will  hear 
things  which  will  blunt  their  fiery  zeal  for  the  future,  and 
unless  I  am  deceived  in  all  my  conjectures,  though  they  will 
not  become  wise,  they  will  depart  from  the  conference  a  good 
deal  tamed.  Nor  should  the  discussion  which  took  place  in 
private  between  Laski  and  Brentz  deter  you.  Laski  was  alone 
and  not  very  well  prepared,  moreover,  to  contend  with  a 
snappish  man.  He  entered  the  lists  with  greater  courage  than 
prudence.  It  will  be  a  very  different  thing  when  Philip, 
whose  timidity  does  not  permit  him  to  declare  freely  what  he 
thinks,  will  associate  himself  heartily  with  us.  A  letter  of  his 
was  lately  shewn  to  me,  written  in  the  month  of  July  to  the 
senate  of  Frankfort,  in  which  though  he  does  not  frankly  con- 
fess his  faith,  yet  he  openly  complains  that  his  neighbours  are 
troubling  the  church  with  new  and  strange  expressions,  and 
does  not  conceal  his  opinion  that  something  should  be  decided 
among  learned  men  respecting  the  infinity  and  the  adoration 
of  Christ's  body.  Let  us  prepare  ourselves  then  for  the  con- 
ference, and  be  armed  beforehand,  provided  only  we  display 
our  firmness  with  that  meekness  which  is  worthy  of  the 
servants  of  Christ.  I  do  not  perceive  what  Beza's  confession 
contains  that  is  not  quite  in  harmony  with  our  doctrine/  for 
what  you  adduce  respecting  the  word  substance  may  be  recon- 

1  One  of  the  German  divines  present  at  Worms,  Zeuleger,  addressed  to  Calvin  the 
following  statement:  "  Believe  me,  I  feel  how  blinded  the  minds  of  our  countrvmen 
are,  and  how  oer-upied  with  those  odious  names  of  Sacramentarinns  and  Zwin^lians, 
to  such  a  degree  that  they  cannot  bear  to  hear  you  spoken  of."  He  advised  Calvin 
at  the  same  time  to  expose  his  opinion  respecting  the  sacrament,  and  to  shew  "that 
the  reality  was  bound  up  with  the  sign."  in  order  to  dissipate  all  prejudice.  But  that 
was  precisely  the  point  in  dispute.     (Library  of  Geneva,  vol.  109.) 

"Note  1,  p.  331. 


352  BULLINGER.  [1557. 

ciled  with  it  without  any  difficulty.  And  he  himself,  doubt 
not,  will  extricate  himself  adroitly  from  all  the  objections  of 
which  you  are  afraid.  He  has  not  explained,  I  admit,  with 
sufficient  clearness,  the  whole  controversy,  but  the  time  did  not 
allow  of  it,  nor  was  it  expedient,  since  it  was  a  brief  excuse 
and  not  a  confession  which  he  had  to  present.  Of  any  danger 
I  feel  perfectly  secure;  since  I  by  no  means  distrust  the  in- 
tegrity of  the  man,  nor  has  he  so  entangled  himself  as  to  afford 
the  enemy  any  occasion  for  boasting.  I  come  to  other  matters, 
though  up  to  the  present  moment  my  fellow  citizens  have  ob- 
tained nothing  equitable  from  their  neighbours,  nay,  by  decided 
refusals,  all  their  hopes  have  been  destroyed;  nevertheless,  I 
have  persuaded  them  to  send  another  embassy,  and  if  it  shall 
prove  fruitless,  a  certain  decision  from  the  other  Swiss  States 
is  what  is  relied  on  here.  Their  obstinacy  is  indeed  pro- 
digious, what  results  it  may  lead  to  is  what  I  fear.  You  can 
scarcely  believe  how  great  and  how  miserable  a  trepidation 
has  prevailed  over  the  kingdom  of  France.1  Now  by  degrees 
they  begin  to  recover  from  their  consternation.  And  as  if  the 
king  had  been  at  leisure  to  busy  himself  with  such  matters, 
our  neighbours  fancy  that  we  have  been  treating  about  some 
secret  negotiations  with  him.  Or  at  least  they  feign  this  be- 
lief, that  in  their  usual  way  they  may  crush  us  under  false 
suspicions.  Nor  can  you  imagine  with  how  much  puerility 
they  talk  nonsense  to  every  one  that  will  listen  to  them. 

Farewell,  most  excellent  sir  and  honoured  brother.  May 
the  Lord  always  stand  by  you  and  continue  to  bless  you  along 
with  your  family. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Archives  of  Zurich.     Gest.  vi.  166,  p.  33.] 

■The  persecution?  redoubled  their  intensity  in  1557.  Scaffolds  and  stakes  were  erected 
every  where,  and  a  fanatical  and  cruel  clergy  exciting  the  popular  passions  preached 
undisguisedly  that  all  the  Lutherans  were  to  be  exterminated.  See  Beza  and  the 
History  of  the  Martyrs,  lib.  vii. 


1557.]  THE   PASTORS   OF   ZURICH.  353 


CCCCLXXIL— To  the  Pastors  of  Zurich.1 

The  second  call  of  Peter  Martyr  by  the  Italian  Church  of  Geneva. 

Geneva,  1st  September  1557. 

When  it  is  perfectly  evident  to  me  that  your  academy  is  a 
fertile  seminary  for  the  rearing  of  pious  teachers,  and  it  does 
not  escape  my  observation,  moreover,  that  the  labours  of  our 
venerable  brother,  Peter  Martyr,  are  of  high  utility  in  that 
pure  and  holy  institution,  1  am  afraid  that  I  shall  appear  to 
shew  but  little  modesty  in  wishing  to  demand  him  of  you,  to 
discharge  the  functions  of  a  pastor  among  a  poor  little  flock, 
and  thus  withdraw  him  from  the  celebrated  and  distinguished 
career  which  he  now  pursues  in  training  up  future  ministers 
of  the  word.  And  assuredly  if  a  teacher  were  to  be  sought  for, 
for  our  academy,  which  neither  in  the  number  of  its  students 
nor  its  other  endowments  can  be  at  all  compared  with  yours, 
I  should  act  very  inconsiderately  if  I  essayed  to  draw  over  to 
us  a  man  so  admirably  suited  to  you.  But  as  I  am  compelled 
to  make  this  concession  to  the  entreaties  of  our  guests  of  the 
Italian  nation,  I  have  no  reason  to  make  a  more  lengthened 
apology.  Would  that  I  had  like  confidence  in  the  possibility 
of  my  gaining  the  object  of  my  request,  as  I  have  that  the  de- 
mand itself  will  not  be  offensive  to  you!  And  yet  such  is 
your  solicitude  for  the  church  of  Christ,  if  you  can  spare  him 
to  us  without  the  very  highest  inconvenience  to  yourselves,  I 
am  convinced  that  the  condition  of  a  flock  deprived  of  its 
pastor  will  have  a  greater  weight  with  you  than  to  permit  vou 
to  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  our  most  anxious  prayers.  Mr.  Peter 
Martyr  himself  knows  what  was  the  character  of  Martinengo, 

1  On  the  death  of  Celso  Martinengo,  which  took  place  on  the  12th  of  August,  1557, 
the  principal  members  of  the  Italian  congregation  at  Geneva,  among  whom  is  to  be 
reckoned  the  Marquis  of  Vico,  addressed  a  new  call  to  Peter  Martyr.  But  he  did  not 
conceive  that  it  was  in  his  power  to  adhere  to  their  desire,  and  the  functions  of  the 
ministry  were  confided  to  Lactanzio  Ragnone  of  Sienna,  who  was  in  his  turn  succeeded 
by  Nicolo  Balbani.  Arch,  of  Geneva,  {Documents  Italiens.) 
45 


354  THE    PASTORS    OF   ZURICH  [1557. 

to  succeed  whom  he  has  been  called;  with  what  faithfulness 
he  discharged  the  duties  of  his  office,  I  am  the  best  witness. 
Certainly  his  memory  is  so  cherished  that  few  will  be  found 
fit  to  support  his  charge,  for  it  is  to  be  feared  that  his  successor, 
if  he  do  not  correspond  to  so  bright  a  model,  will  fall  into 
contempt,  and  that  thus  the  church  will  dwindle  away  Besides, 
it  is  not  a  small  number  of  men  who  demand  Martyr,  (he  has 
been  elected  by  the  common  suffrages  of  all,)  and  among  them 
are  many  intelligent  and  grave  men,  some  of  them  even  learned) 
so  that  our  friend  Martyr  in  undertaking  this  office  would 
have  the  satisfaction  of  having  his  worth  appreciated.1  More- 
over if  an  affair  of  this  importance  is  to  be  judged  of  by  the 
sentiments  of  our  guests,  they  have  no  doubt,  if  he  come  here, 
but  he  will  reap  a  richer  harvest  of  his  labours.  I  myself 
though  I  dare  not  pronounce  an  opinion,  know  nevertheless 
that  it  is  an  affair  of  no  small  moment  that  the  state  of  this 
church  should  be  preserved  intact,  from  which,  up  to  this 
moment,  the  light  of  heavenly  doctrine  has  been  disseminated 
so  far  and  wide.  As  then  you  have  the  common  edification 
at  heart,  weigh  well  again  and  again  whether  it  be  possible  for 
your  church  to  dispense  with  the  services  of  this  man,  who  is 
not  only  desired  with  the  most  ardent  wishes,  but  who,  if  he 
shall  obtain  a  mission  from  you,  will  lay  out  his  labours  to  the 
incredible  profit  of  both  the  men  of  his  own  nation  and  our- 
selves. 

Farewell,  most  excellent  and  honoured  brethren.  May 
the  Lord  continue  to  direct  and  bless  you,  and  in  this  affair  to 
govern  you  with  the  spirit  of  wisdom.  My  colleagues  re- 
spectfully salute  you. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig— Archives  of  Zurich,  Coll     Tol.  ii.  Gest.  vi.  106,  p.  685-1 

1  The  Italian  refugees  of  Geneva  saw  their  numbers  rapidly  increasing.  Before  the 
end  of  the  century,  more  than  a  thousand  of  them  might  be  reckoned  up,  the  flower 
of  the  cities  of  the  Peninsula.  From  their  ranks  issued  distinguished  divines  and 
Jurisconsults,  the  Balbani,  the  Burlamachi,  the  Diodati,  the  Turettini,  etc. 


1557.]  MELANCHTHON".  355 


CCCCLXXIIL— To  Melanchthon.1 

Recommendation  of  a  young  Frenchman  repairing  to  Worms.     Military  and  Political 

news  of  France. 

Geneva,  6tk  September  1557. 

I  have  written  to  you  twice  within  a  few  days,  nor  indeed 
have  I  now  any  thing  new  to  communicate,  but  I  was  unwilling 
to  let  this  most  excellent  young  man  set  out  without  giving 
him  a  letter  of  recommendation  for  you,  the  rather  as  he  asked 
me  for  it  as  the  highest  favour.  Would  that  Saxony  pro- 
duced a  good  many  that  resembled  him!  He  was  studying 
law  in  France,  where  he  frequented  the  religious  assemblies  of 
the  pious  which  are  there  held  secretly,  not  without  the  immi- 
nent peril  of  the  lives  of  the  worshippers.  On  his  return  he 
has  lived  among  us  about  six  months,  and  has  shewn  such 
tokens  of  piety,  modesty,  and  integrity,  that  I  esteem  him 
worthy  of  the  affection  of  all  good  men.  If  I  can  convince 
you  of  this,  I  have  no  occasion  to  enlarge  any  further  in  his 
favour,  for  with  your  usual  facility  you  will  grant  a  ready 
access  to  a  man  who  is  very  desirous  of  imbibing  your  doc- 
trine. If  any  thing  is  to  be  seriously  handled  at  Worms,  he 
has  determined  to  make  a  stay  there  of  at  least  two  or  three 
months,  until  the  result  of  your  conference  shall  have  operated 
some  improvements.  For  many  good  men  are  still  in  hopes 
that,  after  all  pacification  with  our  avowed  enemies  has  become 
a  desperate  case,  there  are  some  princes  who  have  hitherto 
stood  quite  aloof  from  us  who  will  willingly  lend  their  aid 
to  appease  intestine  discords.  Of  this  design  I  have  no  doubt 
but  you  will  be  an  active  promoter. 

1  Melanchthon  was  then  present  at  the  conferences  of  Worms,  and  in  vain  displayed 
his  eloquence  in  an  attempt  at  reconciliation  between  the  different  religious  parties. 
Accused  himself  by  the  Ultra-Lutheran  fanaticism  of  forming  a  compact  with  the 
Catholics  on  the  question  of  those  rites  and  ceremonies  that  are  indifferent,  and  with 
the  Reformed  churches  on  the  question  of  the  Lord's  supper,  he  had  nothing  further  to 
do  but  to  withdraw.  He  quitted  Worms,  in  fact,  in  order  to  follow  the  Elector  Palatin 
to  Heidelberg,  where  he  received  the  melancholy  tidings  of  the  death  of  his  wife  whom 
he  was  destined  to  survive  only  a  few  years.     Melchior  Adam,  Vita  Melanchthonig. 


356  MELANCHTHON.  [1557. 

Of  the  state  of  our  Church  you  will  learn  more  from  the 
conversation  of  the  bearer  than  I  can  venture  to  communicate 
in  a  letter.  Xo  doubt  you  are  already  acquainted  with  the 
severe  check  the  king  of  France  has  received,  and  the  total 
rout  of  his  army.  However  the  storming  of  a  strongly  fortified 
city,  which  took  place  a  short  time  after,  has  occasioned  a  far 
more  serious  damage.  The  town  is  called  St.  Quentin.1  From 
thence  there  is  not  a  whole  day's  march  to  Noyon.  The  in- 
tervening country  is  flat  and  exposed  to  the  ravages  of  the 
enemy.  Now  if  the  report  is  true,  I  shall  already  have  twice 
survived  my  native  country.2  They  declare  that  the  king, 
whether  from  greatness  of  mind  or  from  stupidity,  is  not  much 
affected.  The  Duke  of  Guise,  who  had  been  promptly  re- 
called, still  delays  his  approach,  I  know  not  for  what  reason. 
It  is  to  be  feared  that  the  conquerors  will  cut  off  the  means 
of  his  return.  It  is  reported  that  the  maritime  coast  of  the 
kingdom  of  Naples  has  been  ravaged  by  the  Turkish  fleet,  but 
as  the  brother  of  the  Duke  of  Guise,  who  is  one  of  the  knights 
of  Rhodes,  has  sunk  four  of  their  galleys,  the  probable  con- 
jecture is  that  the  remainder  will  be  hostile  to  the  French. 
There  is  some  suspicion  also  of  the  treachery  of  a  certain 
Paulain,  one  of  the  king's  captains,  in  the  Gulf  of  Geneva.  Like 
an  idler  I  write  these  news  to  you,  that  I  may  draw  something 
from  you  in  my  turn. 

Farewell,  most  distinguished  sir,  whom  from  my  heart  I 
honour.  May  the  Lord  always  stand  by  you,  govern,  protect, 
and  confirm  you  even  to  the  end. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  copy. — Library  of  Paris,  Coll.  Dupuy.     Tom.  102,  p.  28.] 

1  The  battle  of  St.  Quentin,  -which  had  for  result  the  taking  of  that  place,  was  fought 
the  8th  of  August  1557,  the  day  of  the  festival  of  St  Lawrence.  It  was  on  this  occa- 
sion that  Philip  II.  caused  the  palace  of  the  Escurial  to  be  built,  of  which  the  form, 
well  worthy  of  the  persecuting  monarch,  suggests  that  of  a  gridiron. 

■  See  Vol.  ii.,  p.  374. 


1557.]  FAREL.  357 


CCCCLXXIV.— To  Farel. 

The  Marchioness  of  Rothelin  passes  by  Geneva — triple  message  addressed  to  Melanch- 
thon — mission  of  Beza  to  Berne  and  Zurich. 

Geneva,  lith  September  1557. 

As  I  felt  a  great  desire  to  visit  you,  it  was  not  without  a 
double  portion  of  sorrow  that  I  was  deprived  of  the  opportu- 
nity. It  was  of  some  advantage  to  the  mother  of  your  prince 
to  have  passed  by  here,1  because  she  derived  from,  it  at  least 
some  consolation,  and  gained  some  accession  of  courage  for  the 
time  to  come.  How  rapidly  she  passed  through,  your  fellow- 
citizens  know,  who  gave  her  an  escort  of  honour.  The  very 
brief  space  of  time  we  enjoyed,  however,  was  spent  by  us  in 
excellent  conversations,  the  fruit  of  which  will  appear  in  its 
season.  Why  her  daughter  did  not  afterwards  follow  I  know 
not.2  She  earnestly  entreated  me  to  exhort  the  young  person 
to  piety  as  much  as  the  capacity  of  her  tender  age  would  permit. 
In  regard  to  my  repairing  to  the  meeting  at  Worms,  pardon 
me  if  I  do  not  agree  with  you.  For  so  excessive  an  activity 
would  have  been  displeasing  even  to  the  good  men  who  de- 
sire my  arrival,  because  by  it,  my  authority  would  be  dimin- 
ished among  our  adversaries,  and  an  unfavourable  impression 
would  have  been  produced  to  no  purpose  among  our  friends ; 
but  I  have  written  thrice  to  Philip  within  the  last  six  weeks, 
to  urge  him  not  to  relax  for  one  moment  his  efforts.  Since 
of  his  own  accord  he  desires  the  conference,  I  trust  that  it  will 
not  be  without  some  good  results  that  he  has  been  roused  up. 
Sturm  also,  by  my  advice,  has  promised  that  he  will  spur  him 
on  a  little  more.  Perhaps  he  will  even  proceed  thither  for  the 
sake  of  stimulating  him.  This  will  be  more  expedient  than 
if  I,  by  making  myself  too  busy,  should  render  myself  almost 
obnoxious  to  haughty  men,  not  to  speak  of  the  offence  I  should 

1  Jacqueline  de  Rohan,  Marchioness  of  Rothelin  and  mother  of  the  Duke  of  Longue- 
ville,  Seigneur  of  Neuchatel. 

"Frances  d'Orleans.     She  afterwards  married  the  Prince  de  Conde. 


358  FAEEL.  [1557. 

occasion  to  our  own  party.  With  regard  to  what  you  say 
with  so  much  perplexity,  both  for  and  against  Beza,  I  may 
tell  you  that  as  far  as  the  Zurichers  are  concerned,  he  is  free 
to  go  to  the  remotest  corners  of  the  earth  if  he  pleases.1  For 
they  have  everywhere  stirred  up  such  tumults,  that  it  surprises 
me,  the  Bernese  have  hitherto  remained  quiet;  nor  indeed 
after  three  or  four  admonitions  have  I  succeeded  in  calming 
them.  But  as  he  was  lately  associated  with  Yiret,  in  a  short 
time  we  shall  learn  how  he  has  been  received  at  Berne.  Again 
I  have  exhorted  him  to  undertake  a  new  expedition.  If  he 
comply  with  my  wishes,  he  will  have  an  opportunity  of  meet- 
ing as  he  passes  these  ill-tempered  men  who  reject  all  the  best 
advice.  As  my  answer  to  the  Saxons  was  published  at 
Lausanne,  and  Beza  has  a  copy,  how  comes  it  that  he  did  not 
give  it  you?  You  might  certainly  have  had  one  from  here  some 
time  ago,  but  that  I  believed  you  must  have  read  it  before  I 
could  have  lighted  on  a  suitable  messenger.  You  will  receive 
Quadrat's  letter.*  When  you  have  a  little  leisure  to  write,  do 
not  dissemble  how  much  the  asperity  and  vehemence  of  my 
answer  offended  you.  You  must,  of  necessity ,  mitigate  domestic 
evils  by  patiently  supporting  them.  Beware  above  all  of 
stirring  up  Claude's3  wrath  by  going  too  far. 

Farewell,  most  excellent  sir  and  honoured  brother.  May 
the  Lord  continue  to  govern,  protect,  and  sustain  you.  Do 
not  fail  to  salute  your  brethren  and  friends. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 

'  (Garamantas.) 

a  Antony  Quadrat,  counsellor  of  Prince  George  of  Wurtemberg. 

3  Claude  Farel,  the  brother  of  the  Reformer. 


1557.]  THE   CHURCH  OF   PARIS.  359 


CCCCLXXV.— To  the  Church  of  Paris.1 

Exhortations  to  peace  of  mind  and  patience  in  persecution-a  minister  sent  to  them. 

16th  September  1557. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  be  always  upon  you,  by  the  communication  of  the  Holy 

Spirit. 

Dearly  beloved  Seigneurs  and  Brethren,— It  is  not  at 
all  necessary  to  declare  to  you  at  greater  length  how  much 
the  news  of  your  sufferings  has  painfully  and  sorrowfully  af- 
flicted us;  the  intimate  connection  which  unites  us  as  well  as 
our  common  cause  will  sufficiently  explain  our  distress.  If 
we  had  it  in  our  power  to  testify  to  you  by  deeds,  the  desire 
we  have  to  lessen  your  affliction,  you  would  feel  it  more  effi- 
caciously. But  besides  our  prayers  in  your  behalf  we  cannot 
do  much,  though  other  means  of  coming  to  your  aid  are  not 
neglected  by  us.  We  know  not  if  they  will  avail  you,  but  be 
tha^t  as  it  may,  doubt  not  but  God  has  an  eye  on  you,  and  that 
your  tears  and  groanings  are  listened  to  by  him.  For  if  we 
do  not  repose  on  his  providence,  the  slightest  distress  will  be- 

•  This  church  was  at  that  time  plunged  in  the  deepest  distress.  The  flower  of  its 
members,  surprised  in  the  nocturnal  meeting  of  the  Rue  Saint- Jacques,  (4th  September, 
1557  )  and  abandoned  without  defence  to  the  attacks  of  an  infuriated  multitude,  had 
been  thrown  into  dungeons.  "  And  though,"  says  Beza,  « it  is  contrary  to  all  justice 
that  persons  apprehended  and  in  the  hands  of  the  magistrates  should  be  thus  badly 
handled  and  outraged  by  private  individuals,  nevertheless  no  investigation  was  ever 
aet  on  foot  on  that  subject.  Now  if  they  were  maltreated  in  the  streets,  they  were  not 
better  off  in  the  prison  of  the  Chastelet  in  which  they  were  first  confined.  For  the 
thieves  and  robbers  were  withdrawn  from  the  most  infected  cells  and  sinks  in  order  to 
make  room  for  these.  Meat  and  drink  were  refused  to  many  of  them  for  a  very  long 
time  and  strict  orders  issued  to  allow  no  one  to  visit  them.  However  God,  who  always 
takes  care  of  his  own,  provided  that  they  should  not  remain  without  consolations.  For 
in  consequence  of  the  great  number  of  prisoners,  the  jailers  had  been  forced  to  put 
severil  in  the  same  place,  so  that  among  them  there  always  chanced  to  be  some  one 
endowed  with  more  fortitude  than  his  companions,  to  give  courage  to  the  others.  On 
all  sides  then,  psalms  were  sung,  and  the  whole  Chastelet  resounded  with  the  praises 
of  God,  a  sufficient  proof  of  the  singular  confidence  they  had  in  their  hearts  of  their 
own  innocence."     Hist.  Eccl.,  torn.  i.  p.  120. 


360  THE   CHURCH   OF   PARIS.  [1557. 

come  an  abyss  to  swallow  us  up.  We  shall  be  shaken  to  and 
fro  at  every  breath  of  wind:  we  shall  be  troubled  in  our  per- 
plexities and  led  astray  in  our  counsels;  in  a  word,  our  whole 
life  will  be  a  labyrinth,  especially  when  a  loose  has  been  given 
to  Satan  and  his  agents  to  torment  and  molest  the  poor  church 
of  God.  Truly  we  must  fly  to  this  thought  for  our  stay,  that 
if  God  cares  for  all  his  creatures,  he  will  not  forsake  those 
who  call  upon  him.  Nay,  if  there  fall  not  to  the  ground  with- 
out his  will  a  single  bird,  he  will  never  be  a  wanting  to  his 
own  children. 

True  it  is,  the  temptation  is  great  and  difficult  to  support, 
to  see  so  horrible  a  trouble,  one  which  may  draw  after  it  ex- 
treme desolation,  and  which  God  is  slow  in  raising  his  arm  to 
remedy.  But  also  it  is  not  without  cause  that  it  is  said :  God 
desires  to  try  our  faith,  like  gold  in  the  furnace.  Though 
then  he  stretch  not  forth  his  hand  to  succour  us  as  soon  as 
we  could  wish,  let  us  never  abandon  the  conviction  that  the 
hairs  of  our  head  are  numbered,  and  that  if  he  sometimes  per- 
mits the  blood  of  his  people  to  be  shed,  yet  he  fails  n£»t  to 
treasure  up  their  precious  tears  as  it  were  in  a  phial,  accord- 
ing to  the  expression  of  David  in  Psalm  lvi.  Certain  it  is  he 
has  not  permitted  what  has  now  happened,  except  to  prepare 
the  way  for  some  great  matter  which  surpasses  our  compre- 
hension. Heretofore  those  who  have  been  called  to  martyr- 
dom have  been  contemptible  according  to  the  world,  both  in 
respect  to  their  personal  rank,  and  their  numbers,  which  have 
not  been  considerable  enough  to  produce  a  great  movement. 
How  know  we  on  the  present  occasion,  if  he  has  not  already 
prepared  such  an  issue  that  we  shall  have  double  reason  to 
rejoice  and  glorify  his  name?  But  whatever  view  we  take  of 
the  case,  our  true  wisdom  is  to  submit  ourselves  to  him,  and, 
though  every  thing  be  perplexed,  to  wait  peaceably  and  in 
silence  for  the  deliverance  which  he  has  promised.  In  the 
mean  time,  my  dear  brethren,  we  pray  you  to  practise  the 
lesson  that  has  been  taught  us  by  the  great  Master,  to  possess 
our  souls  in  patience.  We  know  how  difficult  that  is  for  the 
flesh,  but  recollect  also  that  then  is  the  moment  to  strive 
against  ourselves  and  our  passions,  when  we  are  assailed  by 


1557.]  THE   CHURCH   OF   PARIS.  361 

our  enemies.  And  esteem  it  not  a  weak  defence,  that  you  are 
left  to  suffer,  and  shew  yourselves  meek  and  peaceable  as 
lambs  against  the  rage  of  the  wolves,  since  you  have  the  pro- 
mise of  that  good  and  faithful  Shepherd  who  has  taken  us  in 
charge,  that  he  will  never  fail  you,  whatever  fury  and  enormity 
there  may  be  in  the  cruelty  of  the  enemy.  God  is  powerful 
enough  to  repress  it  by  such  means  as  he  wills,  or  even  with- 
out any  visible  means.  Let  it  be  your  study  to  attempt 
nothing  which  is  not  warranted  by  his  word.  In  maintaining 
a  meek  obedience  to  his  will,  we  are  assured  that  he  will  ward 
off  the  blow,  or  at  least  give  us  strength  and  courage  to  endure 
it ;  but  if  we  go  beyond  the  limits  he  has  prescribed  to  us,  let 
us  always  fear  to  receive  at  last  the  wages  of  our  temerity. 
We  say  not  this  as  being  bold  at  your  expense,  but  because 
we  are  well  aware  that  in  such  terrors  one  may  be  urged  to 
many  undertakings  in  which  it  is  difficult  to  preserve  modera- 
tion. We  give  you  then  the  advice  by  which  we  ourselves 
should  wish  to  be  moderated  and  restrained  in  like  circum- 
stances. And  indeed  better  it  were  that  we  were  all  involved 
in  ruin,  than  that  the  gospel  of  God  should  be  exposed  to  the 
reproach  of  arming  men  to  sedition  and  tumult ;  for  God  will 
always  cause  the  ashes  of  his  servants  to  fructify,  but  excesses 
and  violence  will  bring  with  them  nothing  but  barrenness. 
Wherefore,  my  dear  Seigneurs  and  brethren,  shew  that  you 
have  profited  in  that  school,  which  requires  that  we  should 
sacrifice  ourselves  to  him,  sparing  nothing  to  maintain  his 
cause,  and  enduring  till  he  break  the  arms  of  his  enemies,  or 
bring  them  under  subjection  to  himself. 

For  the  rest,  because  you  have  not  received  the  letters  in 
which  we  sent  you  word  that  our  colleague  was  on  his  way 
to  you,1  not  to  make  a  permanent  stay  among  you,  (which 

'July  1557,  ''Monsieur  de  Saules  (Nic.  des  Gallars)  sets  out  for  Paris  of  his  own 
free  will."  (Regist.  de  la  Comp.)  He  ran  the  greatest  risks  in  his  journey.  Arrested 
at  Dijon,  with  Nicholas  du  Rousseau,  the  inspector  of  the  church  of  Paris,  "  he  es- 
caped," says  Beza,  ''nothing  being  found  in  his  portmanteau,  whereas  du  Rousseau,  con- 
trary to  the  advice  of  his  friends,  had  taken  with  him  books  and  letters."  Hist.  E-c!., 
torn.  i.  p.  137.  Du  Rousseau  died  in  the  dungeons  of  Dijon,  and  his  body  was  thrown 
into  the  flames,  "  in  order  that  death,  which  had  surprised  him,  might  not  deprive  him 
of  the  crown  of  martyrdom." 
46 


362  THE   CHURCH   OF   PARIS.  [1557 

moreover  it  was  not  possible  for  us  to  grant,)  but  only  to 
comfort  and  aid  you  for  some  time;  we  now  entreat  you  a 
second  time,  as  we  did  then,  to  excuse  us  if  we  have  not  been 
able  fully  and  in  every  point  to  meet  your  wishes.  He  offered 
himself  liberally  to  undertake  this  journey  in  order  to  be  of 
use  to  you,  till  you  should  be  provided  with  another,  and  there 
is  not  one  of  us  who  would  not  wish  to  bestow  his  services  on 
you  for  the  same  purpose  in  his  turn,  did  our  occupations 
permit;  for  we  must  steal,  as  it  were,  a  little  time  to  come  to 
your  aid,  in  that  rather  consulting  our  wishes  to  promote  your 
welfare  than  the  interests  of  the  flock  entrusted  to  our  care. 
Now,  however,  that  these  troubles  have  fallen  out,  we  pray 
you  to  reflect  whether  his  presence  will  be  more  hurtful 
or  profitable  to  you.  St.  Augustin  has  made  a  prudent  re- 
flection, which  is,  if  a  flock  is  assailed  without  any  search  be- 
ing made  for  its  pastor,  he  who  ought  to  strengthen  the  others 
cannot  lawfully  abandon  them;  but  if  an  attempt  is  made  to 
persecute  the  church  in  the  person  of  the  pastor,  the  latter  will 
do  well  to  retire  for  a  little,  in  order  to  appease  the  rage  of 
the  enemy.  He  is  speaking  of  those  who  are  settled  in  a  place 
and  ordained  to  direct  a  church.  Now  siuce  our  colleague 
has  gone  towards  you  to  supply  a  want  which  you  felt,  in  the 
mean  time,  till  it  is  possible  to  make  a  more  certain  provision 
and  of  more  permanent  duration,  consider  if  it  would  not  be 
more  expedient  that  such  an  object  which  may  inflame  the 
fury  of  your  enemies  should  be  removed ;  for  we  hear  of 
rumours  that  are  disseminated  to  aggravate  the  troubles  and 
vexations  which  they  are  endeavouring  to  excite  against  you. 
It  is  enough  to  have  put  you  in  mind  of  that,  for  we  think  so 
highly  of  your  prudence  as  to  believe  that  you  will  try  to 
obviate  these  inconveniences,  considering  that  your  present 
necessity  should  be  your  counsellor  on  that  point.  Never- 
theless, let  not  his  departure  be  the  cause1  of  your  dispersion, 
for  it  is  at  the  present  moment  more  than  ever  that  you  should 
rally  yourselves  under  the  banner,  knowing  your  own  natural 
infirmities,  knowing  also  that  the  craft  of  Satan  aims  at  no 
other  end  but  that  of  scattering  you,  the  more  effectually  to 

1  Nicholas  des  Gallars  returned  this  same  year  to  Geneva. 


1557.]        THE  WOMEN  DETAINED  IN  PRISON  AT  PARIS.  363 

annihilate  you.  Hold  yourselves  then  conjoined  and  as  it 
were  knit  together,  invoking  with  one  accord,  and  with  one 
voice,  Him  who  has  promised  to  be  present  wherever  two  or 
three  are  gathered  together  in  his  name. 

Whereupon,  beloved  Seigneurs  and  brethren,  having  com- 
mended us  to  your  fervent  prayers,  we  will  also  on  our  side 
supplicate  the  heavenly  Father,  to  preserve  you  under  the 
protection  of  his  Son,  fortifying  you  with  a  constancy  not  to 
be  overcome,  guiding  you  by  his  Holy  Spirit  in  all  wisdom, 
uprightness,  simplicity,  humility,  and  constancy;  and  bridling 
your  enemies,  till  finally  he  cover  them  with  confusion. 
From  our  assembly. 

[Fr.  copy. — Registers  of  the  Company  of  Geneva.] 


cccclxxvi. — to  the  women  detained  in  prison  at 

Paris.1 

He  exhorts  them  to  persevere  even  unto  death,  holding  out  to  them  the  example  of 
the  martyrs  of  the  old  and  the  new  church. 

Geneva,  September  1557. 

I  do  not  wonder,  dearly  beloved  sisters,  if  you  are  astounded 
by  these  hard  assaults,  and  feel  the  natural  repugnance  of  the 
flesh  which  strives  so  much  the  more  as  God  wills  to  work  in 

'Among  the  followers  of  the  Reformed  doctrine  surprised  in  the  assembly  of  the 
Rue  Saint-Jacques,  and  detained  in  the  dungeons  of  the  Chastelet,  were  several 
women  of  the  highest  rank.  Assaulted  during  several  hours  by  a  ferocious  populace, 
they  escaped  from  death  by  a  miracle,  and  saw  themselves,  says  Beza,  ''  loaded  with 
all  sorts  of  abuse,  and  outraged  by  blows.  The  articles  of  their  dress  were  torn  in 
pieces,  their  bonnets  struck  off  from  their  heads,  their  hair  pulled  out,  their  faces 
bedaubed  and  covered  with  mud  and  filth."  Hist.  Eccl.,  torn.  i.  p.  110.  One  of  these 
unfortunate  captives,  la  dame  Phillippe  de  Lunz,  widow  of  the  Seigneur  de  Graveron, 
first  appeared  before  the  judges,  and  received  with  pious  intrepidity  the  sentence  of 
death.  Led  to  execution,  on  the  27th  September,  along  with  Nicholas  Clinet  and  Taurin 
Gravelle,  she  ascended  courageously  the  funeral  pile,  bequeathing  to  her  companions 
an  example  of  heroic  courage  and  admirable  meekness.  The  dames  de  Rentigny, 
d'Ouartis,  de  Champagne,  and  de  Longemeau,  as  well  as  other  captives  of  an  humbler 
rank,  still  awaited  their  sentence.  It  is  to  these  persecuted  women,  and  doubtless  to 
her  who  was  soon  to  suffer  martyrdom,  that  the  letter  of  the  Reformer  is  addressed. 


364  THE  WOMEN  DETAINED  IN  PRISON  AT  PARIS.        [1557. 

you  by  his  Holy  Spirit.  If  men  are  frail  and  easily  troubled, 
the  frailty  of  your  sex  is  yet  greater,  by  reason  indeed  of 
your  natural  constitution.  But  God  who  works  in  frail 
vessels,  knows  well  how  to  display  his  strength  in  the  infirmity 
of  his  followers.  Wherefore  it  is  to  him  it  behoves  you  to 
have  recourse,  invoking  him  continually,  and  praying  him  that 
the  incorruptible  seed,  which  he  has  sown  in  you,  and  by 
which  he  has  adopted  you  to  be  in  the  number  of  his  children, 
may  bring  forth  its  fruits  in  time  of  need,  and  that  thereby 
you  may  be  strengthened  to  bear  up  against  all  anguish  and 
affliction.  You  know  the  saying  of  St.  Paul:  God  has  chosen 
the  foolish  things  of  this  word  to  confound  the  wise,  and  the 
weak  things  to  cast  down  the  strong;  and  those  things  which 
are  despised  and  of  no  account  to  destroy  the  proud  and  the 
lofty.  This  it  is  which  should  give  you  great  encouragement 
in  order  that  the  consideration  of  your  sex  cause  you  not  to 
fail,  though  it  is  often  lightly  esteemed  of  men.  For  how- 
ever haughty  and  proud  they  may  be,  and  however  out  of 
contempt  and  disdain  they  may  make  a  mock  of  God,  and 
those  who  serve  him,  yet  are  they  constrained  to  hold  in  ad- 
miration, his  power  and  his  glory  wherever  they  see  them 
shine  forth.  And  so  much  the  more,  when  they  see  that  the 
vessel  by  which  God  works  is  frail,  shall  they  be  forced  to 
acknowledge,  and  be  invincibly  convinced  in  their  own  hearts 
of  the  power  of  God  which  they  cannot  gainsay. 

You  see  that  the  truth  of  God,  wherever  it  is  found,  is  the 
object  of  their  hatred  ;  and  it  is  not  less  detested  by  them,  in 
men  than  in  women,  in  the  learned  than  in  the  ignorant,  in  the 
rich  than  in  the  poor,  in  the  great  than  in  the  little.  If  they 
avail  themselves  of  sex  or  external  condition  to  fall  more 
furiously  upon  us,  (as  we  see  in  what  derision  they  hold  women 
and  poor  artisans,  as  if  these  had  no  right  to  speak  of  God  and 
learn  the  way  of  their  salvation,)  know  that  such  conduct  is  a 
testimony  against  them  and  to  their  utter  confusion.  But 
since  it  has  pleased  God  to  call  you  as  well  as  men,  (for  he  has 
no  respect  either  of  male  or  female,)  it  is  needful  that  you  do 
your  duty  to  give  him  glory,  according  to  the  measure  of 
grace  he  has  dealt  out  to  you  as  well  as  the  greatest  personages 


1.057.]        THE  WOMEN  DETAINED  IN  PRISON  AT  PARIS.  365 

whom  he  has  endowed  with  knowledge  and  courage.  Since 
Jesus  Christ  has  died  for  you,  and  through  him  you  hope  for 
salvation,  having  been  baptized  in  his  name,  you  must  not 
shrink  from  rendering  him  the  honour  that  belongs  to  him. 
Since  we  have  a  common  salvation  in  him,  it  is  necessary  that 
all  with  one  accord,  men  as  well  as  women,  should  maintain 
his  cause.  When  he  calls  us  to  do  battle,  and  puts  us  to  proof 
before  the  enemy,  it  serves  us  nothing  to  allege  our  weakness 
as  an  excuse  for  abandoning  or  denying  him,  except  to  expose 
ourselves  to  be  condemned  for  disloyalty.  For  he  who 
marshals  us  to  battle,  arms  and  shields  us  at  the  same  time 
with  the  necessary  weapons,  and  gives  us  dexterity  in  wielding 
them.  Our  sole  task  then  is  to  accept  them  and  allow  our- 
selves to  be  governed  by  him.  He  has  promised  to  give  us  a 
mouth  and  wisdom,  which  our  enemies  will  not  be  able  to 
gainsay.  He  has  promised  to  give  firmness  and  constancy  to 
those  who  put  their  trust  in  him.  He  has  shed  his  Spirit  on 
all  flesh,  and  caused  to  prophesy  sons  and  daughters,  as  he  had 
foretold  by  his  prophet  Joel;  which  is  evidently  a  sign  that 
he  communicates  in  like  manner  his  other  necessary  graces, 
and  leaves  neither  sons  nor  daughters,  men  nor  women,  desti- 
tute of  the  gifts  proper  for  maintaining  his  glory.  We  must 
not  be  indolent  then  in  asking  him  for  them,  nor  faint-hearted 
in  receiving  and  making  use  of  them  when  he  shall  have  dis- 
tributed them  to  us. 

Consider  what  was  the  courage  and  constancy  of  women  at 
the  death  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  when  the  apostles  had 
forsaken  him,  how  they  continued  by  him  with  marvellous 
constancy,  and  how  a  woman  was  the  messenger  to  announce 
to  the  apostles  his  resurrection,  which  the  latter  could  neither 
believe  nor  comprehend.  If  he  then  so  honoured  women,  and 
endowed  them  with  so  much  courage,  think  ye  he  has  less 
power  now,  or  that  his  purposes  are  changed?  How  many 
thousands  of  women  have  there  been  who  have  spared 
neither  their  blood  nor  their  lives  to  maintain  the  name  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  announce  his  reign !  Has  not  God  caused 
their  martyrdom  to  fructify?  Has  their  faith  not  obtained 
the  glory  of  the  world  as  well  as  that  of  martyrs?     And  with- 


366  THE  WOMEN  DETAINED  IN  PRISON  AT  PARIS.        [1557. 

out  going  so  far,  have  we  not  still  before  our  eyes,  examples 
of  how  God  works  daily  by  their  testimony,  and  confounds 
his  enemies,  in  such  a  manner  that  there  is  no  preaching  of 
such  efficacy  as  the  fortitude  and  perseverance,  which  they 
possess  in  confessing  the  name  of  Christ?  Do  you  not  see 
how  deeply  rooted  in  their  hearts  is  this  saying  of  our  Lord, 
He  who  denies  me  before  men,  him  will  I  deny  before  God 
my  Father;  and  he  who  confesses  me,  him  also  will  I  confess, 
and  avow  before  God  my  Father?  They  have  not  feared  to 
quit  this  perishable  life  to  obtain  a  better,  full  of  glory  and 
everlasting.  Set  before  you,  then,  these  noble  exemplars,  both 
ancient  and  recent,  to  strengthen  your  weakness,  and  teach 
you  to  repose  on  Him  who  has  performed  such  great  things  by 
weak  vessels;  and  recognize  the  honour  which  he  has  done 
you,  in  order  that  you  may  suffer  yourselves  to  be  led  to  him, 
being  confident  that  he  is  powerful  to  preserve  your  life,  if  he 
wishes  yet  to  make  use  of  it,  or  if  it  is  his  will  to  exchange  it 
for  a  better,  you  are  most  blessed  in  employing  this  perishable 
existence  for  his  glory  at  so  high  a  price,  and  with  the  as 
sured  hope  of  living  eternally  with  him.  For  to  that  end  have 
we  been  sent  into  this  world,  and  illuminated  by  the  grace  of 
God,  to  glorify  him,  both  in  our  life  and  in  our  death,  and  be 
finally  fully  united  to  him.  May  the  Lord  grant  you  the  grace 
to  meditate  attentively  on  these  things,  and  impress  them  on 
your  hearts  in  order  that  you  may  conform  yourselves  wholly 
to  his  holy  will. — Amen. 

[Printed,  Histoire  des  Martyrs,  p.  430.] 


1557.]   CHURCHES  OF  LAUSANNE,  MOUDON,  PAYERNE. 


367 


CCCCLXXVIL— To  the  Churches  of  Lausanne,  Moudon, 

AND  PAYERNE.1 
Collection  in  favour  of  the  Brethren  of  Paris. 

Geneva,  September,  1557. 

Messieurs  and  worthy  BRETHREN-Though  all  the  rest 
should  not  suffice  to  touch  the  hearts  of  the  brethren  to  whom 
application  is  made,  this  last  extremity  will  brook  no  delay. 
For  it  will  be  next  to  impossible  that  amid  so  many  tortures 
the  evil  spread  not  from  one  to  another,  till  at  last  an  infinite 
number  be  involved  in  it.     Wherefore  the  question  no  longer 
is  how  to  satisfy  the  desires  of  the  poor  brethren,  but  if  there 
be  one  spark  of  humanity  alive  in  our  breasts  to  succour  them 
in  such  extremity.     Because  I  trust  they  themselves  will  no 
fail  to  put  forth  all  their  efforts,  do  you  also  not  fail  to  send 
word  what    you    have    accomplished    in    Swisserland      tor 
though  money  is  not  readily  to  be  found  in  these  parts,  I  shall 
assuredly  so  bestir  myself,  should  I  be  obliged  to  pawn  my 
head  and  feet,  that  it  will  be  found  forthcoming  here.     I  will 
supplicate  the  Father  of  mercies  that  he  direct  you  in  every 
thing  and  every  where,  give  you  address  and  strengthen  you; 
in  a  word,  that  he  will  demonstrate  to  us  the  care  that  he  takes 

,fBx\raTtPfrom   the  letters  of  Sire  Georges  of  the  11th  of 
September:  "you  will  have  heard  how  more  than  a  hundred 

l^^7Z:^^^'^  -  -  fury  ^ *  -  *ed 

...         _„s„,,       A    deputation   composed    of   John    Bude,    *arei,   anu 

!n  wifh   Kin-  Henrv  II.     The  minister    Gaspard  Carmel,  deputy  ot  the 

r  rms of  which  skilfully  chosen  seemed  fitted  to  bring  ah  out  a  c  ---Be- 
tween the  Lutheran  and  the  Reformed  churches.  Ruchat't0Vl'PP/t;pchurche  of 
las  the  .oul  of  these  movements,  and,  hy  vehement  letters,  he  urged  the  Churches  of 
French  Swtserland  to  join  with  these  measures,  in  offering  the  most  preoous  gfto  to 
these  persecuted  brethren. 


868  FAREL.  [1557. 

prisoners  have  been  apprehended  at  Paris,  among  whom  are 
several  notable  and  excellent  personages." 

I  have  copied  this   little  clause  in  order  that   it  might  be 
better  understood  and  make  a  more  lively  impression  on  you. 
[Fr.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Yol.  107  a.] 


CCCCLXXVIII.— To  Farel. 

Mission  of  Bude  and  Beza  to  Germany — complaints  against  the  Church  of  Zurich. 

Geneva,  24th  September  1557. 

It  had  happened  most  providentially  that  by  my  request 
and  exhortation  our  friend  Bude"  undertook  the  mission,  of 
which  no  doubt  you  were  informed  before  the  sad  tidings  were 
brought  us,  though  it  was  by  no  means  necessary  to  exhort 
too  keenly  one  sufficiently  well  disposed  of  his  own  accord. 
There  was  a  hope  that  the  ferocity  of  the  king  being  tamed, 
some  answer  might  be  drawn  from  him,  and  to  this  measure 
I  was  urged  to  have  recourse  by  a  man  otherwise  unknown  to 
me,  but  whom  I  perceived  to  be  the  interpeter  of  the  common 
sentiments  of  all  the  godly.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  I  lost 
not  a  moment  in  giving  to  Bude*  his  instructions  as  soon  as  I 
heard  of  the  anxiety  of  the  brethren.  With  all  the  diligence 
in  my  power,  I  also  afterwards  besought  Philip  to  afford  us 
the  protection  of  his  influence  with  his  princes.  Beza  I  had 
already  stimulated  with  this  argument  that  the  present  was 
the  best  opportunity  for  appeasing  the  Zurichers,  whose  ill- 
humour  we  must  endure  in  such  a  manner  that  if  the  thing  is 
possible,  they  may  be  appeased  by  little  and  little.  I  am 
ashamed  to  say  how  averse  Bullinger  is  to  a  conference,  and 
he  now  compares  me  to  Bucer,  whose  over  activity  was  hurt- 
ful for  this  very  reason,  that  he  never  frankly  and  prudently 
defended  the  good  cause  in  the  proper  manner.  My  line  of 
conduct  however  is  widely  different,  since  I  have  it  not  so 
much  at  heart  to  clear  my  character  from  calumnies.     I  fancied 


1557.]  FAREL.  369 

that  we  should  hear  nothing  more  of  your  confession,1  I  have 
been  mistaken.  Here  now  is  a  fresh  bickering!  But  by 
Beza's  arrival,  unless  I  am  deceived,  all  that  smoke  will  have 
vanished.  Would  that  the  whole  mission  were  crowned  with 
success!  As  soon  as  any  news  to  be  depended  on  shall  be 
brought  us  from  Paris,  I  will  take  care  to  let  you  know  them. 
Respecting  the  state  of  our  own  city,  I  can  only  inform  you 
that  four  arbiters  have  been  appointed  to  settle  our  disputes. 
If  our  neighbours  do  not  acquiesce  in  their  decision,  the  affair 
will  require  to  be  decided  by  a  formal  judicial  sentence.  A 
private  arrangement  would  have  been  highly  agreeable  to  us, 
and  the  means  seem  not  at  all  difficult,  did  not  our  neighbours 
obstinately  persist  in  supporting  the  cause  of  those  whom  we 
had  condemned;  what  they  intend  to  do  will  however  be  known 
in  a  short  time.  I  also  am  astonished  at  the  stupidity  of  the 
king.2  Till  God  miraculously  awaken  him,  he  will  feel  nothing. 
The  worthless  branches  are  worthy  of  lying  side  by  side  with 
their  trunk.  You  will  learn  all  these  particulars  more  fully 
from  the  messenger  who  is  to  bear  my  letter,  to  whom  I  seem 
to  do  a  kind  of  injustice  in  anticipating  his  narrative. 

Farewell,  most  worthy  brother.  May  the  Lord  always  stand 
by  you  and  bless  your  labours.  Amen.  My  fellow-pastors 
and  friends  salute  you.  Do  you  in  your  turn  not  fail  to  salute 
in  my  name  your  brethren. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  copy. — Arch.  Eccl.  of  Berne.    Tom.  vi.  p.  571.] 

•  See  p.  345.    The  formulary  incriminated  at  Zurich  had  been  drawn  up  by  the  joint 
labours  of  Beza  and  Farel. 

a  See  p.  372,  Calvin  was  then  preparing  the  Confession  of  Faith,  which  he  shortly 
after  presented  to  Henry  II. 
47 


370  BULLIXGER.  [1557. 


CCCCLXXIX.— To  Bullinger.1 

An  account   of  Beza's  mission  to  Worms.     New  entreaties  to  determine  the  Church 
of  Zurich  to  take  a  part  in  the  measures  of  the  Swiss   Churches. 

Geneva,  7th  October,  1557. 

From  the  letter  of  Beza,  you  will  learn  how  well  inclined 
the  princes  were  to  send  deputies  for  the  sake  of  interceding, 
and  how  liberally  they  offered  their  services.  There  was 
a  little  more  difficulty  among  the  men  of  our  profession. 
For  the  meetings  by  night  were  very  distasteful  to  them,  and 
they  desired  that  they  might  be  allowed  to  choose  hours  more 
suitable  for  the  brethren,  who  were  worn  out  by  so  intolerable 
an  oppression.  A  confession  of  faith  was  also  demanded,  in 
which  you  will  see  that  our  brethren  undisguisedly  professed 
their  sentiments.  At  least  they  did  not  dissemble  that  they 
hold  the  doctrine  from  which  they  seemed  to  you  formerly  to 
have  somewhat  deviated,  and  the  apprehension  that  you  en- 
tertained lest  they  should  be  entangled  by  Brentz,  Marbach, 
and  such  like  persons,  has  been  dissipated.2  Nay,  these  same 
persons  will  perceive  that  there  is  no  harmony  of  opinion  be- 
tween themselves  and  almost  all  the  French  Churches.  Now 
though  they  still  obstinately  cherish  their  own  errors,  there 
are,  nevertheless,  some  who  are  a  little  more  tractable  so  that 
there  is  a  hope  that  when  we  shall  once  have  come  to  a 
friendly  conference  they  may  be  influenced.  Though  I  am 
not  led  away  by  this  confidence  to  think  that  we  should  come 

1  The  deputies  of  the  Churches  of  France  and  Switzerland  having  presented,  on  the 
8th  of  October,  to  the  Assembly  of  Worms  a  confession  of  faith,  drawn  up  in  terms 
the  most  proper  to  procure  conciliation,  obtained  from  the  German  divines  a  recom- 
mendation to  the  Duke  of  Wurtemberg.  This  prince  having  granted  them  an 
audience,  manifested  the  most  favourable  sentiments  with  respect  to  the  persecuted 
brethren,  and  promised  to  interpose  his  good  offices  with  the  king,  inviting  the  Swiss 
Cantons  who  had  a  special  alliance  with  this  prince  to  do  the  same  on  their  side. 
Rucbat,  torn.  vi.  pp.  217,  218.     Hospinian,  torn.  ii.  p  434. 

The  names  of  Brentz  and  Marbach  figure  beside  that  of  Melanchthon  among  those 
who  signed  the  confession  of  faith  presented  in  the  name  of  the  Churches  of  France  and 
approved  of  by  the  German  divines.     Ruchat,  Ibid. 


1557]  BULLINGER.  371 

to  a  conference  if  they  invite  us,  I  have  other  reasons  which, 
influence  me,  and  which  I  have  exposed  to  you.  With  re- 
spect to  the  objection  that  you  have  started,  that  it  is  not  in 
your  power  to  do  any  thing  without  the  consent  of  the 
magistracy  ;  do  not  think  that  I  am  so  very  rash  and  void  of 
good  breeding  as  to  slight  those  with  whom  God  has  con- 
nected us  by  a  sacred  and  indissoluble  tie,  to  the  end  that  we 
should  strive  together  for  the  same  object  with  united  zeal. 
Still,  I  do  not  think  that  we  are  so  servilely  bound  down,  as 
not  to  be  allowed  to  discuss  familiarly  those  things  which 
may  tend  to  the  common  good  of  the  church.  What  I  wrote, 
I  again  repeat ;  if  we  recoil,  no  feasible  colour  can  be  put  on 
the  matter,  but  we  must  stand  chargeable,  in  my  opinion,  with 
a  dastardly  and  dishonourable  tergiversation.  If  you  think 
otherwise,  it  gives  me  pain  to  reflect  that  in  a  common  cause 
there  should  be  such  a  discrepancy  between  our  opinions. 
But,  after  all,  I  do  not  think  it  probable  that  your  senate  will 
repudiate  a  conference  should  it  be  offered  ;  nor  will  it  be 
their  fault,  that  those  who  desire  to  see  the  church  at  peace 
should  not  voluntarily  present  themselves  to  remove  this  un- 
fortunate dissension,  and  seek  for  some  means  of  pacifica- 
tion. 

Farewell,  most  accomplished  sir,  and  honoured  brother. 
Salute  carefully  all  your  fellow  pastors.  May  the  Lord  sup- 
port you  all  by  his  power,  cover  you  with  his  protection,  and 

govern  you  by  his  Spirit — yours, 

John  Calvin. 

Something,  I  fancy  has  been  done  already  at  Berne  about 
the  league. 

[Lat.  copy. — Archives  of  Zurich.     Gest.  vi.  166.  p.  37.] 


372  THE  KING  OF  FRANCE.  [1557. 


CCCCLXXX.— To  the  King  of  France. 

Exposition  of  the  faith  of  the  Reformed  Churches  in  France. 

Geneva,  October,  1557. 

Sire,  since  we  are  accused  and  designated  to  your  majesty 
as  forming  a  sect  by  ourselves,  we  desire  nothing  better  than 
to  lay  before  you  an  account  of  our  faith,  provided  you  will 
now  be  pleased  to  give  a  patient  hearing  to  what  we  briefly 
present  to  you  in  writing,  till  you  find  more  fitting  leisure 
to  examine  the  contents  thereof,  and  if  you  think  proper  com- 
municate them  to  your  council,  in  order  that  you  may  be  bet- 
ter able  to  judge  whether  it  is  wrongfully  or  with  reason  that 
we  are  blamed.  In  the  mean  time,  Sire,  we  humbly  beg  of 
you  two  things  :  first,  that  you  would  be  pleased  to  consider 
how  precious  a  thing  is  the  truth  of  God,  contained  in  the 
law,  the  prophets,  and  the  gospel,  considering  that  not  only 
the  salvation  of  our  souls  lies  therein,  but  also,  that  God  can- 
not be  duly  honoured,  revered,  and  glorified,  except  by  this 
rule ;  secondly,  that  you  would  also  be  pleased  to  reflect  how 
many  abuses  are,  at  the  present  day,  prevalent  over  the  world. 
For  it  is  a  thing  quite  notorious,  that  the  real  purity  of  the 
church  is  altogether  perverted  and  corrupted.  Now  many 
are  nourished  in  ignorance,  being  obstinate  in  refusing  to 
inquire  into  the  will  of  God.  And  this  is  the  reason  why 
several  people  fearing  God,  will  nevertheless,  often  be  con- 

1  On  the  back  in  Calvin's  handwriting:  To  the  King,  the  Confession  of  the  Churches 
of  France. 

This  confession,  drawn  up  by  a  skilful  hand,  and  in  conciliating  terms,  by  the  Re- 
former, was  presented  to  King  Henry  II,  at  the  time  when  the  Protestant  princes  of 
Germany  disposed  themselves  to  interpose  with  this  prince  in  favour  of  their  French 
brethren  in  the  faith,  who  were  exposed  to  the  most  cruel  persecution,  (November, 
1557).  The  most  odious  calumnies  had  been  circulated  on  the  subject  of  the  French 
Protestants,  and  found  an  echo  even  at  the  Court  of  France.  Beza,  torn.  i.  p.  121. 
Calvin,  in  sketching  a  simple  exposition  of  the  faith  of  the  Reformed  Churches,  pro- 
posed to  himself  to  destroy  these  calumnies,  which  he  had  so  eloquently  refuted,  two 
and  twenty  years  before  in  his  noble  preface  to  the  "Institution  Chretienne." 


1557.]  THE  KING  OF  FRANCE-  373 

demned  for  want  of  being  heard.  For  the  rest,  Sire,  that  it 
mav  not  seem  to  you  that  we  wish  to  palliate,  or  give  a  false 
colouring  to  anything  under  vain  pretences,  we  have  here 
laid  down  with  simplicity  a  brief  confession  of  the  faith  we 
hold,  which  we  trust  you  will  find  in  accordance  with  that  of 
the  Catholic  church. 

In  the  first  place,  we  believe  in  one  God,  of  a  simple  es- 
sence, and  yet,  in  which  there  are  three  distinct  persons,  as 
we  are  taught  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  as  the  doctrine  has 
been  laid  down  by  ancient  councils;  and  we  detest  all  sects 
and  heresies,  which  the  ancient  doctors  have  combatted. 

We  believe  that  man,  having  been  created  in  purity  and 
integrity,  has  fallen  by  his  own  fault  from  the  grace  which  he 
had  received,  and  by  this  means  is  alienated  from  God  who  is 
the  source  of  justice  and  all  good  ;  so  that  his  nature  has  been 
wholly  corrupted,  and  being  blinded  in  mind,  and  depraved 
in  heart,  he  has  lost  all  integrity,  nothing  whatever  remaining 
of  it. 

We  believe  that  all  the  race  of  Adam  is  infected  with  such 
contagion,  and  that  original  sin  is  a  hereditary  vice,  and  not 
a  simple  imitation,  as  the  Pelagians  would  insinuate,  a  sect 
whose  errors  we  detest. 

We  believe  also  that  this  vice  is  truly  sin,  which  is  sufficient 
to  condemn  the  whole  human  race  and  is  reputed  such  in  the 
sight  of  God;  that  even  after  baptism  it  is  always  sin  as  to  its 
guilt,  though  the  condemnation  of  it  is  abolished,  because  God 
of  his  gratuitous  goodness  does  not  impute  it. 

We  believe  that  it  is  by  the  mercy  of  God  alone  that  the  elect 
are  delivered  from  the  general  perdition  in  which  all  men  are 
plunged.  And  first  of  all  we  believe  that  Jesus  Christ,  without 
whom  we  are  all  ruined,  has  been  given  us  as  a  Redeemer,  to 
bring  to  us  justice  and  salvation. 

We  believe  that  Jesus  Christ,  being  the  eternal  wisdom  of 
God,  and  his  only  Son.  has  put  on  our  flesh  in  order  to  be 
both  God  and  man  in  one  person,  that  is  like  unto  us.  except- 
ing only  that  he  was  pure  from  all  taint  of  sin.  Holding 
which  belief,  we  detest  all  the  heresies  which  anciently  troubled 
the  church.     We  believe  also  that  the  end  for  which  he  as- 


374  THE    KING   OF    FRANCE.  [1557. 

sumed  our  nature  was  that  he  might  die,  and  be  raised  up 
again  from  the  dead,  aud  fulfil  all  righteousness  in  order  to  pro- 
cure for  us  eternal  life. 

We  believe  that  by  this  one  sacrifice,  which  Jesus  Christ 
offered  up  on  the  cross,  we  are  reconciled  to  God  so  as  to  be 
held  and  reputed  just,  and  that  by  this  means  we  have  liberty 
to  invoke  God  with  full  confidence  that  he  is  our  Father,  in- 
asmuch as  by  adoption  we  obtain  what  Jesus  Christ  has  by 
nature. 

We  believe  that  our  whole  justification  is  founded  on  the  re- 
mission of  sins  as  it  is  at  the  same  time  our  sole  felicity,  ac- 
cording to  the  expression  of  David.  Wherefore  we  reject 
every  other  species  of  justification,  which  men  presume  they 
obtain  from  their  virtues  or  merits,  seeing  that  our  trust  can 
fix  on  nothing  else,  nor  find  a  resting  place  except  when  we 
are  convinced  that  God,  in  covering  our  iniquities,  imparts  to 
us,  in  order  to  justify  and  absolve  us,  the  obedience  which  his 
Son  has  rendered  to  him. 

We  believe  that  by  faith  alone  we  are  made  partakers  of 
this  righteousness,  and  also  that  this  faith  is  kindled  in  us  by 
the  secret  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  is  a  gratuitous  and 
peculiar  gift,  which  God  communicates  to  whomsoever  he  wills, 
and  that  not  only  to  introduce  them  into  the  right  path,  but 
to  make  them  continue  in  it  to  the  end. 

We  believe  that  by  this  same  faith  we  are  regenerated  in 
newness  of  life,  because  by  nature  we  are  the  slaves  of  sin. 
Now  though  this  renewing  of  our  nature  by  which  God  forms 
us  to  do  good,  is  a  part  of  our  salvation,  nevertheless  we  con- 
fess that  the  good  works  which  we  perform  by  the  power  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,  are  not  taken  into  account  to  justify  us  be- 
fore God,  nor  afford  us  any  claim  to  be  considered  the  children 
of  God,  because  we  should  be  always  floating  in  doubt  and 
uncertainty,  if  our  conscience  did  not  repose  on  the  satisfaction 
by  which  Jesus  Christ  has  acquitted  us. 

Strong  in  this  confidence,  we  invoke  God  in  the  name  of  his 
Son  whom  he  has  given  us  for  Mediator  and  Advocate,  and 
boldly  address  to  him  our  prayers,  having  so  good  and  intimate 
an  access  to  him;  encouraged  at  the  same  time  by  his  declara- 


1557.]  THE  KING  OF  FRANCE.  375 

tion,  that  our  prayers  will  be  to  him  a  sweet  smelling  sacrifice, 
and  by  his  command  to  have  recourse  to  him  by  this  means. 

We  believe  that  the  order  of  the  church  which  Jesus  Christ 
has  established  on  his  authority,  ought  to  be  held  sacred  and 
inviolable;  and  yet  that  the  church  cannot  be  held  together 
unless  there  be  pastors  who  have  the  office  of  teaching,  and 
these  pastors  we  are  bound  to  honour  and  listen  to  with  respect, 
when  they  are  duly  called  and  faithfully  discharge  their  duty, 
in  which  belief  we  detest  all  those  visionaries  who  would  anni- 
hilate, as  far  as  in  them  lies,  the  preaching  of  the  word  of  God. 

We  believe  that  we  ought  to  observe  and  keep  up  the  unity 
of  the  church,  and  that  all  those  who  separate  themselves  from 
it  are  perverse  persons  whom  we  ought  to  shun  as  deadly 
pests.  Nevertheless  we  are  of  opinion  that  we  ought  prudently 
to  discern  which  is  the  true  church,  because  several  falsely 
abuse  this  title.  We  declare  then,  that  it  is  the  society  of  the 
faithful  who  agree  to  follow  the  word  of  God  and  that  pure 
religion  which  depends  on  it,  and  who  profit  therein  during 
the  whole  course  of  their  lives,  increasing  and  confirming 
themselves  in  the  fear  of  God,  according  as  they  have  need  to 
make  progress,  and  tending  always  to  that  which  is  beyond. 
Moreover,  that,  whatever  efforts  they  make,  it  behoves  them 
incessantly  to  have  recourse  to  Christ  for  the  remission  of 
their  sins. 

We  believe  that  the  sacraments  are  conjoined  with  the  word 
lor  ampler  confirmation,  to  be  the  pledges  and  earnests  of  the 
grace  of  God,  and  by  this  means  to  comfort  and  aid  our  faith, 
because  of  the  infirmity  and  hard-heartedness  which  is  in  us. 
We  hold  also  that  the  substance  thereof  is  Jesus  Christ,  for 
being  separated  from  him  they  lose  all  efficacy. 

We  believe  that  baptism  is  the  testimony  of  our  adoption, 
because  thereby  we  are  introduced  into  the  body  of  Christ  to 
be  washed  and  purified  by  his  blood,  and  then  renewed  in 
holiness  of  life  by  his  Spirit.  Now  though  baptism  is  a 
sacrament  of  faith  and  repentance,  nevertheless  since  God  re- 
ceives into  his  church  the  children  along  with  the  fathers,  we 
affirm  that  by  the  authority  of  Jesus  Christ,  little  children 
born  of  believing  parents  ought  to  be  baptized. 


376  THE   KING   OF   FEANCE.  [1557 

We  confess  that  the  holy  supper  of  our  Lord  is  a  testimony 
of  the  union  which  we  have  with  Jesus  Christ,  inasmuch  as 
not  only  he  died  and  rose  from  the  dead  for  us,  but  also  truly 
feeds  and  nourishes  us  with  his  flesh,  till  we  be  one  with  him 
and  his  life  be  common  to  us.  Now  though  he  is  in  the 
heavens  till  he  come  to  judge  the  world,  nevertheless  we  be- 
lieve that  by  the  secret  and  incomprehensible  power  of  his 
Spirit,  he  nourishes  and  vivifies  us  by  the  substance  of  his 
body  and  blood.  We  hold  indeed  that  this  is  done  spiritually, 
in  order  not  to  substitute  for  a  fact  and  a  truth,  an  imagina- 
tion or  an  idea,  but  also  because  this  mystery  transcends  in 
its  depth  the  measure  of  our  capacity  and  the  whole  order  of 
nature.  In  one  word,  inasmuch  as  it  is  celestial,  that  it  can 
be  apprehended  only  by  faith. 

We  believe,  as  has  already  been  said,  that  both  in  baptism 
and  the  Lord's  supper,  God  in  reality  bestows  on  us  and  ac- 
complishes by  effects  what  is  there  symbolized,  and  moreover 
we  conjoin  with  the  signs,  the  real  possession  and  enjoyment 
of  what  is  there  presented  to  us.  And  thus  it  is  that  those 
who  bring  to  the  sacred  table  of  Jesus  Christ  a  pure  faith  as 
it  were  a  vessel,  really  receive  what  the  symbols  represent; 
that  is  to  say,  that  the  body  and  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  serve 
not  less  for  food  aod  drink  to  the  soul  than  bread  and  wine  to 
the  body.1 

We  believe  that  it  is  the  will  of  God  that  the  world  should 
be  governed  by  laws  and  policy,  in  order  that  there  may  be 
some  restraints  to  check  the  inordinate  appetites  of  men,  and 
that  thus  he  has  established  kingdoms  and  principalities  and 
everything  which  relates  to  the  administration  of  justice,  and 
desires  to  be  recognized  as  the  author  of  them,  in  order  that 
for  his  sake  men  may  not  only  endure  that  superiors  bear 
rule,  but  that  these  may  be  honoured  and  esteemed  with  all 
due  reverence,  being  held  for  his  lieutenants  and  officers  whom 
he  has  appointed  to  exercise  a  legitimate  and  holy  office. 
We  hold  then  that  we  are  bound  to  obey  their  laws  and 
statutes,  pay  tribute,  taxes,  and  other   imposts,  and  bear  the 

1  On  the  margin  in  Calvin's  handwriting  :  "  A  blank  space  should  bo  left  for  the  in- 
sertion of  these  two  articles,  respecting  the  Lord's  supper." 


BULLINGER.  377 


1557.] 

yoke  of  submission  with  frank  and  loyal   goodwill,  provided 
always  that  the  sovereign  empire  of  God  be  preserved  inviola- 

ble-'  •  i    i 

You  have  here,  Sire,  an  undisguised  and  unvarnished  sum- 
mary of  our  faith.  If  we  have  not  entered  into  a  minute 
detail  respecting  all  the  points  and  articles  which  are  laid  to 
our  account,  most  assuredly  we  cannot  be  charged  with  any 
thing  which  is  not  implicitly  contained  in  the  statement  we 
havedaid  before  you,  and  deduciblefrom  it.  This  you  will  find 
when  you  shall  be  pleased  to  examine  the  whole.  If  we  do 
not  adhere  to  many  superstitions  which  are  entirely  contrary 
to  what  we  have  here  declared,  we  hope  our  apology  will  be 
admitted  by  you  as  reasonable. 

We  entreat  you  then,  Sire,  and  ever  most  humbly,  as  the 
indulgent  father  and  humane  protector  of  your  obedient  sub- 
jects,°to  have  compassion  on  those  who  seek  but  to  serve  God 
in  simplicity,  while  they  loyally  acquit  themselves  of  their 
duty  towards  you. 

[Fr.  orig.  corrected  by  Calvin.— Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  145.] 


CCCCLXXXI— BULLINGER. 

Persecutions  in  the  Valleys  of  Piedmont  and  at  Paris. 

Geneva,  Ibth  November  1557. 

Because  our  friend,  Crispin,  hath  not  yet  returned  from  the 
fair,  who,  as  I  hear  from  the  account  of  others,  is  bringing  a 
letter  to  me  from  Philip,  I  dispense  with  writing  to  you  about 
several  things  till  the  return  of  the  young  man  by  whom  you 
lately  sent  a  letter  to  me.  Only  for  the  present,  I  wished  to 
inform  you  of  the  state  of  our  brethren.  The  Alpine  breth- 
ren are  again  persecuted,  not  only  by  the  Parliament  of  Turin 

'On  the  margin  in  Calvin's  handwriting:  This  article  should  be  added  at  the  end. 
This  passage  may  be  compared  with  the  fine  chapter  of  the  Christian  Institution,  on 
Civil  Government.  The  French  Protestants  were  represented  to  the  king  as  rebellious 
subjects,  hostile  to  all  authority,  and  whose  doctrines  tended  equally  to  the  destruction 
of  religion  and  of  the  state. 
48 


378  BULLINGER.  [1557. 

but  also  by  that  of  Grenoble,  for  there  are  two  valleys  under 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  latter.  Many  are  dragged  to  Grenoble, 
where  they  are  summoned  to  make  a  confession  of  their  faith. 
A  day  is  fixed  for  all  to  return  to  the  abominations  of  Popery. 
If  any  one  can  lay  hold  of  either  the  ministers  of  the  word 
or  an}r  schoolmasters,  he  is  encouraged  by  the  offered  reward 
of  fifty  gold  crowns  for  each  person  arrested.  A  decree  has 
also  been  published  that  they  will  be  apprehended  by  an 
armed  force  unless  they  submit  before  the  time  prefixed. 

Eight  days  ago,  three  persons  were  burned  at  Paris,1  and 
though  it  is  probable  that  the  enemies  wished  by  the  punish- 
ment of  a  few  to  strike  terror  into  all,  we  shall  hear  erelong, 
if  the  others  remain  unshaken,  that  all  the  chiefs  of  the  Re- 
formed party  in  the  city  will  become  the  prey  of  the  flames. 
This  thing  alone  seems  to  rouse  Pharaoh  from  the  consterna- 
tion into  which  he  was  plunged  by  his  defeat  in  war,  that,  for- 
sooth, he  may  wreak  his  fury  more  atrociously  on  the  godly. 

As  it  was  your  desire,  in  dedicating  your  commentaries  to 
the  exiles  of  Christ,  to  give  a  public  token  of  your  affection 
for  us,  the  foreigners  who  are  here  present  you  their  thanks 
in  a  common  letter,  and  would  desire,  should  an  opportunity 
occur,  to  testify  by  deeds  still  more  fully  their  gratitude.  T, 
too,  thought  it  my  duty  to  add  this  word,  by  way  of  giving 
my  suffrage  to  their  sentiments. 

Farewell,  most  accomplished  sir,  and  honoured  brother,  as 
well  as  your  family  and  fellow  pastors.  May  the  Lord  pre- 
serve, govern,  and  continue  to  bless  you  all  even  to  the  end — 
yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich.     Gallicana  Scripta,  p.  36.] 
1  See  p.  363. 


1557.]  THEODORE   BEZA.  379 


CCCCLXXXIL— To  Theodore  Beza.1 

Ecclesiastical  crisis  in  the  Pays  de  Vaud — Inefficiency  of  the  first  measures  adopted  in 
favour  of  the  French  Protestants. 

Geneva,  bth  December  1557. 

Yesterday  morning  I  dictated  a  letter  to  Viret,  when  an 
individual  who  was  to  take  charge  of  it  declared  that  he 
would  set  out  immediately  after  dinner.  As  he  changed  his 
mind,  I  ordered  it  to  be  given  to  another  person.  To-day  1 
was  surprised  to  see  it  still  lying  on  my  table.  I  wished  to 
remind  you  of  this  circumstance,  because  otherwise  it  might 
seem  absurd  that  what  was  written  in  so  great  a  hurry  should 
come  to  hand  so  late.  The  same  reason  prevented  me  from 
writing  to  you,  which  I  now  do,  having  found  a  little  more 
leisure.  When  you  tell  me  that  sycophants  had  sprung  up 
in  that  neighbourhood,  it  is  almost  as  if  you  were  to  say  that 
water  gushes  up  from  the  fountain.  I  approve,  however,  of 
your  having  freely  expostulated  with  him,  and  now  that 
sybarite  will  be  compelled  at  least  to  swallow  whatever  dis- 
grace there  will  be  in  the  affair.  It  is  certainly  a  detestable 
and  monstrous  thing,  that  these  faint-hearted  creatures  should 
bluster  with  so  much  malevolence,  that  they  would  rather  a 
hundred  times  the  church  should  perish,  than  they  themselves 
not  vent  their  clamorous  officiousness  against  those  who  de- 
sire to  assist  it.  Meanwhile,  the  reward  of  your  labours  is 
more  certain  with  God,  in  proportion  as  you  shall  see  these 
labours  detested  by  the  Devil  ;  and  do  not  murmur  that  these 
perverse  animals  discharge  their  violence  on  you,  provided 
the  angels  who  are  in  heaven  applaud  your  conduct. 

1  While  the  Churches  of  the  Palatinate  were  troubled  by  the  dissensions  of  their 
doctors  respecting  the  article  about  the  Lord's  Supper,  those  of  the  French  countries 
subject  to  the  authority  of  Berne,  were  engaged  in  a  struggle,  becoming  every  day 
more  keen,  with  the  magistrates  on  the  subject  of  excommunication.  Viret  and 
Theodore  de  Beza,  placed  in  the  first  ranks  by  the  party  which  claimed  the  power 
of  excommunicating  as  a  right  essential  to  the  church,  were  also  the  objects  of  the 
most  violent  attacks.     Ruchat,  torn.  vi.  p.  256,  and  the  following. 


380  THEODORE    BEZA.  [1557. 

I  know  not  whether  it  will  be  expedient  to  add  a  fresh 
source  of  grief  to  those  of  the  wretched  brethren1  who  have 
derived  no  solace  from  the  embassy.  Moreover,  you  can 
scarcely  imagine  how  little  prudence  the  members  of  the 
deputation  displayed.  For  which  reason  it  would  be  ridicu- 
lous, I  suspect,  to  return  them  any  other  thanks  for  their 
management,  than  what  is  required  by  the  prescribed  forms 
of  good  breeding.  Add  to  that,  that  if  a  common  letter  of 
thanks  is  demanded,  three  months  will  elapse  before  all  can 
come  to  an  agreement  among  themselves,  owing  to  the  dis- 
tances which  separate  them.  I  exhort  Stephens,  however,  to 
discharge  this  duty  in  the  name  of  all.  But  the  king  has 
fixed  an  Assembly  of  all  the  orders  before  Christmas.2  The 
king  of  Navarre  must  in  that  case  be  roused  up.  The  task 
is  certainly  one  which  I  detest ;  I  shall  attempt  it  nevertheless. 
Especially  as  our  friend,  Colonges,  is  meditating  something 
very  childish,  about  which,  however,  he  has  not  deigned  to 
hold  any  communication  with  me ;  but  he  told  Verace,  that 
he  had  in  his  hands  a  certain  writing  which  he  wished,  after 
printing  it,  to  send  to  the  princes.  As  if,  forsooth,  any  one 
was  going  to  deliver  an  opinion  from  a  published  pamphlet, 
nay,  as  they  are  so  much  an  object  of  suspicion  to  one  another, 
it  would  be  fitting  rather  to  whisper  secretly  advice  into  their 
ears,  if  we  wished  to  do  any  good.  That  the  deputation  by 
their  faint-heartedness  and  sloth,  both  deluded  us  and  deserted 
the  brethren,  vou  will  learn  from  the  public  acts;  the  rest  you 
may  hear  from  Christopher.  You  remind  me  very  sea- 
sonably of  the  cause  of  Viret ;  it  deserves  to  be  examined 
upon  what  conditions  he  is  to  discharge  his  functions  during 
the  whole  course  of  his  life.  If  he  fears  giving  offence  to  the 
good,  the  majority,  unless  I  am  mistaken,  will  wish  some 
remedy  to  be  applied  to  such  serious  evils. 

Farewell,   most  worthy  and  excellent   brother.     May  the 
Lord  always  stand  by  you  and  continue  to  govern  you.    The 


'The  first  measures,  not  very  well  concerted,  of  the  Cantons  and  of  the  Protestant 
princes  in  regard  to  the  King  of  France,  produced  no  results. 

9  An  obscure  passage — several  words  are  wanting,  or  truncated  in  the  text. 


1557.]  MADAME   DE   RENTIGNY.  381 

messenger  who  is  to  carry  this  letter  will  not  set  out  before 
to-morrow.  It  was  written,  however,  after  dinner  before  the 
afternoon  sermon. 

[Lat.  copy.— Library  of  Paris,  Coll  Dapuy.     Tom.  102,  p.  32.] 


CCCCLXXXIIL— To  Madame  de  Kentigny.1 

He  fortifies  her  beforehand  against  the  temptations  which   might  turn  her  aside  from 
courageously  confessing  her  faith. 

Sth  December  1557. 

Madame  and  honoured  Sister,— I  had  till  now  deferred 
writing  to  you,  not  that  I  had  forgotten  you,  but  because  I 
imagined  that  you  had  persons  among  you  who  would  dis- 
charge their  duty  in  exhorting  you  according  to  your  needs.2 
And  at  the  same  time  I  was  informed  of  the  constancy  which 
God  had  bestowed  on  you,  so  that  I  had  occasion  rather  to 
give  thanks  to  him  than  to  stir  you  up.  Especially  being  at 
such  a  distance  from  you,  I  could  not  be  properly  acquainted 
with  your  spiritual  state,  so  as  to  adapt  my  exhortation  to 
your  wants.  I  therefore  refrained  from  a  task  which  those  who 
were  nearer  to  you  could  better  fulfil,  being  eye  witnesses  of 
the  evils  which  they  had  to  remedy.     Nevertheless,  as  length 

'  To  Mademoiselle  de  Rentigny,  prisoner  at  Paris. 

This  lady,  one  of  the  captives  of  the  Rue  St,  Jacques,  was  the  daughter  of  the  Seig- 
neur de  Rambouillet,  and  wife  of  the  Chevalier  de  Rentigny,  Standard-bearer  of  tho 
Duke  of  Guise.  Her  husband  and  her  father,  zealous  catholics,  introduced  into  her 
dun -eon  could  not  shake  her  faith.  The  constancy  of  Mademoiselle  de  Rentigny, 
prated  by  the  minister  of  Paris,  was  also  commended  in  a  letter  of  Beza  to  the  minis- 
ters of  Zurich,  in  which  this  passage  is  to  be  remarked:  "Most  of  the  captives  hold 
out  very  courageously  to  such  a  degree  indeed  that  a  lady,  the  most  distinguished 
among  all  the  prisoners  for  the  nobility  of  her  birth,  and  the  wealth  of  her  friends, 
openly  refused  the  pardon  offered  her,  spurning  the  tears  and  prayers  both  of  her 
father  and  husband,  worthy  certainly  of  being  commended  to  the  Lord  by  name.  She 
is  called  Mademoiselle  de  Rentigny.  May  the  Lord  grant  to  her  to  persevere  to  the 
end"     (24th  November  1557.     Arch,  of  Zurich.) 

"The  ministers  of  Paris.  See  the  letters  of  the  minister  Racham,  (or  Machar,)  to 
Calvin  (Library  of  Geneva,  vol.  112.)  The  history  of  the  Reformed  church  of  Pans, 
during  two  of  its  most  glorious  years,  (1558-1559)  is  fully  detailed  in  these  precious 
letters. 


382  MADAME   DE   REXTIGNY.  [1557. 

of  time  often  brings  along  with  it  many  occasions  of  dissatis- 
faction, and  temptations  multiply,  while  at  the  same  time  it  is 
one  of  the  devices  of  Satan  and  his  agents  to  let  the  children 
of  God  languish  in  order  by  slow  degrees  to  damp  their  cour- 
age, I  have  judged  fit  no  longer  to  delay  in  acquitting  mvself 
of  a  part  of  my  duty.  Besides  I  know  not  if  it  is  the  will  of 
God  to  prove  you  still  further,  for  it  is  possible  that,  in  sparing 
you  hitherto,  it  was  his  intention  to  give  you  leisure  to  prepare 
yourself  that  you  might  not  be  taken  unawares.  For  though 
I  doubt  not  but  that  you  have  always  been  fully  furnished  for 
glorifying  his  name,  yet  it  is  more  certain  that  he  knows  how 
to  proportion  the  trials  of  his  children,  so  as  not  to  task  too 
sorely  their  infirmities. 

But  however  that  may  be,  I  take  it  for  granted  that  you 
have  not  been  without  feeling  his  manifest  assistance.  For 
the  alarms  in  the  beginning  were  not  so  dreadful  as  they  were 
to  the  persons  who  took  the  lead  and  pointed  out  the  way  to 
others,  yet  most  assuredly  you  would  have  fainted,  a  hundred 
times,  had  you  not  been  supported  by  his  fortitude.  Where- 
fore, having  persisted  and  held  out  in  many  struggles  and  con- 
tentions, recognize  that  he  had  not  forgotten  you,  and  let  this 
experience  cause  you  to  hope  with  confidence,  that  to  the  end 
he  will  stand  by  you  and  perfect  his  strength  in  you,  whatever 
be  your  infirmity. 

I  think  you  have  heard  that  it  was  not  our  fault  that  you 
did  not  receive  some  succour  on  the  part  of  man,  but  the  be- 
ginnings were  so  insufficient  that  it  would  seem  as  if  God 
wished  to  reserve  the  whole  glory  to  himself.1  Though  if  the 
second  do  better  than  the  former,  still  we  shall  be  forced  to 
acknowledge  that  they  were  but  the  instruments  of  his  grace. 
In  fact  I  am  disposed  to  conjecture,  even  though  neither  their 
counsels  nor  their  conduct  were  better  than  that  of  the  others, 
that  they  will  obtain  more.  But  however  that  may  be,  it  is 
best  to  be  prepared  for  the  worst,  for  if,  on  the  present  occa- 
sion, you  are  to  leave  the  prison  without  being  led  to  execu- 
tion, you  have  matter  for  deeper  reflection  for  the  future  than 
ever,  because  those  who  shall  not  be  disposed  to  emancipate 

1  See  p.  379. 


1557.]  MADAME    DE   IUNTIGNY.  383 

themselves  from  the  service  of  God  by  forsaking  him,  will  be 
held  in  much  stricter  bondage  under  the  miserable  yoke  of 
Satan.  Wherefore,  Madame,  and  beloved  sister,  I  entreat  you 
in  the  name  of  Him  who  has  ransomed  you  at  so  dear  a  price 
in  order  to  bear  rule  over  your  life  and  death,  to  reflect  above 
all  how  you  may  finish  the  rest  of  your  life  in  his  obedience. 
Be  persuaded  that  your  life  is  precious  to  me,  but  it  is  neither 
for  you  nor  me  to  hesitate  a  moment,  in  preferring  to  a  hundred 
lives  the  honour  of  Him  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  every 
thing.  I  say  this,  because  I  have  a  shrewd  presumption  that 
besides  the  temptations  to  which  you  may  be  openly  exposed, 
there  will  be  more  than  one  instrument  of  mischief  secretly  at 
work  to  raise  others,  and  at  the  same  time  deaden  in  you  the 
fear  of  God.  If  you  were  not  well  fortified,  on  the  contrary, 
against  all  the  assaults  which  might  be  levelled  at  you,  you 
have  only  to  reflect  both  on  the  worth  of  the  heavenly  in- 
heritance to  which  we  are  called,  and  the  inestimable  price  at 
which  it  has  been  purchased  for  us,  to  be  steeled  with  invinci- 
ble courage;  just  as  in  the  opposite  case  we  shall  speedily  be 
cast  down,  both  great  and  small  of  us,  if  we  turn  away  our 
eyes  from  these  considerations.  Principally  those  of  us  who 
have  most  stay  and  support  in  this  world,  will  be  most  speedily 
held  back,  according  as,  under  colour  of  the  gifts  which  God 
has  bestowed  on  us  to  draw  us  to  himself,  Satan  strives  to  turn 
us  away  from  him.  But  those  who  shall  rightly  esteem  the 
passing  value  of  that  treasure,  which  is  offered  to  us  in  the 
gospel,  will  have  wherewithal  to  abandon  every  thing  which 
belongs  to  this  world.  There  is  neither  prince  nor  king  who 
can  be  a  Christian,  save  on  this  condition  to  offer  his  life  and 
death  as  an  oblation  to  God. 

Now  since  he  calls  you  to  bear  witness  to  the  doctrine  in 
which  lie  all  your  wealth,  welfare,  and  glory,  reflect  in  the 
first  place  in  what  consists  your  obligation  to  him;  and  if  the 
condition  of  discharging  your  debt  seem  to  you  severe  and 
burdensome,  console  yourself  with  this  thought,  that  he  re- 
quires nothing  that  does  not  turn  to  your  advantage.  1  am 
aware  that  several  will  allege  that  it  would  be  better  to  con- 
sult one's  safety,  than  to  deliver  one's  self  without  profit ;  but 


384  THE   KING   OF   NAVARRE.  [1557. 

in  putting  your  life  into  the  hauds  of  Him  to  whom  it  apper- 
tains, leave  him  to  dispose  of  the  issue,  as  it  belongs  to  him,  to 
cause  to  fructify  whatever  proceeds  from  us,  which  otherwise 
would  be  unproductive.  In  this,  as  in  all  the  rest,  know  that 
you  are  called  to  combat;  and  since  it  is  the  time  to  do  battle, 
arm  yourself  as  necessity  requires,  not  only  in  meditating 
on  the  promises  which  should  fortify  you  to  the  end,  but  also 
praying  the  God  of  all  strength  to  support  you  by  his  Spirit 
in  order  to  render  you  completely  victorious,  and  you  may 
rest  assured  that  many  will  keep  you  company  in  this  request. 
And  for  my  own  part  I  supplicate  him  to  have  you  in  his  holy 
keeping,  to  guide  you  in  all  wisdom,  uprightness,  and  con- 
stancy, so  that  his  name  may  be  glorified  in  you,  as  it  is  fit 
that  it  should  be. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107.] 


CCCCLXXXIV.— To  the  King  of  Navarre.1 

He  lays  before  him  the  distressing  situation   of  the  brethren  in  France,  and  begs 
him  to  take  in  hand  their  cause  with  the  King  of  France. 

14th  December  1557. 

Sire,  having  heard  of  the  grace  which  God  has  bestowed 
on  you,  in  bringing  himself  nigh  to  you  in  a  more  intimate 
manner  than  ever,  in  order  to  give  you  a  more  direct  assu- 
rance of  the  pure  truth  of  the  gospel  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
our  sovereign  King,  I  have  made  bold  to  write  to  you,2  in  the 

1  Antony  de  Bourbon,  duke  of  Vendotne,  husband  of  Jane  d'Albret,  queen  of 
Navarre,  and  father  of  Henry  IV.  Of  a  timid  mind  and  a  feeble  and  irresoluto  char- 
acter, this  prince,  however,  ventured  to  declare  for  the  Reformation,  before  that  his 
wife,  endowed  with  a  masculine  genius,  and  a  heroic  soul,  seemed  to  incline  towards 
the  new  doctrines.  He  caused  them  to  be  publicly  preached  in  the  chapel  of  the  cas- 
tle of  Nerac  in  the  year  1555,  and  demanded  several  ministers  of  the  Church  of  Ge- 
neva. He  obtained  several  distinguished  preachers,  Francis  Le  Quay,  called  the  Nor. 
mand,  and  de  La  Pierre,  who  united  their  efforts  with  those  of  the  ancient  monk  David 
to  confirm  the  king  in  the  profession  of  the  gospel.  Beza,  torn.  i.  p.  162.  Attentive 
to  the  interests  of  the  Reformation  in  France.  Calvin  profited  by  the  departure  of  these 
two  ministers  to  address  to  the  king  respectful  exhortations. 

a  Calvin  had  been  informed  by  a  letter  of  the  minister,  Villcroche,  of  the  favourable 
dispositions  of  the  King  of  Navarre.    "  Yesterday,  Simon  Bursier  (such  I  believe  is  his 


[1557.  THE   KING   OF   NAVARRE.  385 

hope  that  for  the  respect  and  reverence  in  which  you  hold  the 
Master  whom  I  serve,  you  will  deign  to  give  a  favourable  re- 
ception to  the  present,  which  tendering  to  you  both  my  per- 
son and  services  for  whatever  purpose  you  may  be  pleased  to 
employ  me,  will  abundantly  testify  for  me,  if  my  talents  and 
means  do  not  permit  me  to  show  by  deeds,  yet,  that  at  least 
good  will  is  not  wanting  to  me  to  prove  how  devoted  I  am 
to  you.     At  the  same  time,  because  1  have  heard  that  you  are 
pleased  to  entertain  a  favourable  disposition  towards  me,  I 
have  so  much  the  more  confidence  to  have  a  kind  and  indul- 
gent access  to  you.     What  is  more,  I   hold  myself  assured 
that  when  you  shall  perceive  that  I  desire  nothing  else  ex- 
cept that  God  should  be  glorified  in  you,  that  is  by  your  wel- 
fare and  eternal  happiness,  you  will  willingly  suffer  yourself 
to  be  exhorted  by  me  in  the  name  of  Him  who  has   entire 
authority  over  you.     For  in  proportion  to  the  difficulty  of 
the  office  which  kings  and  princes  have  to  discharge,  so  much 
greater  need  have  they  of  being  put  in   mind  of  their  duty. 
And  for  that  reason,  also,  it  is  that  God  has  especially  com- 
manded them  to  give  more  diligent  heed  than  private  persons, 
to  study  how  to  profit  by  his  law.     For,  indeed,  just  as  God, 
raising  them  to  high  dignity,  brings  them  in  some  sort  nearer 
to  himself,  so  does  he  oblige  them  at  the  same  time  to  put 
forth  all  their  zeal  to  acquit  themselves  of  their  duty  towards 
him.     Nor  is  it  reasonable,  that  the  princss  of  the  earth,  who 
are  but  his  officers  and  vicegerents,  should  desire  to  be  obeyed, 
while  he  who  possesses  supreme  empire  should  be  defrauded 
of  his  rights.     Now  it  is  in  these  days  more  than  ever  that 
great  and  small  should  strive  that  God  be  served  in  such  a 
manner  as  is  his  due.     For  everything  is,  now  a  days,  so  cor- 
rupted and  perverted  that  for  the  most  part  what  is  called  the 

name)  had  a  conversation  with  our  king  which  was  prolonged  to  a  late  hour  of  the 
night.  In  it  they  discoursed  a  great  deal  on  the  duty  of  princes,  on  eternal  life, 
on  the  cross  of  Christ,  on  religious  faith.  In  this  discussion,  both  the  age  of  the 
speaker  and  the  admirable  sanctity  of  his  life  added  majesty  and  authority  to  his 
words.  In  fine,  so  it  is  that  from  this  prince,  of  whom  we  have  hitherto  entertained 
doubts,  we  now  expect  more  and  greater  things  than  heretofore."  Nerac,  13th  April 
1557. 

[Libr.  of  Geneva.     Vol.  110.] 
49 


386  THE    KING    OF   NAVARRE.  [1557. 

service  of  God  consists  of  detestable  falsities,  forged  by  the 
Devil,  to  do  dishonour  to  the  true  God.  Moreover  if  people 
of  humble  rank,  and  possessed  of  no  influence,  are  yet  held 
as  much  as  in  them  lies,  and  as  their  inferior  position  permits, 
to  use  all  their  endeavours  that  God  should  be  adored  with 
purity,  the  obligation  must  surely  be  far  more  binding  on 
those  who  are  in  high  places  to  double  their  diligence,  and 
every  one  according  to  the  measure  of  his  capacity. 

Eeflect,  Sire,  that  God,  after  having  chosen  you  to  be  a 
prince  of  so  noble  a  house,  has  also  drawn  you  forth  from  the 
darkness  of  the  superstitions  in  which  you  were  plunged,  as 
well  as  others,  and  has  illumined  you  with  the  knowledge  of 
the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ — a  blessing  which  has  not  been  ex- 
tended to  all — it  was  not  his  intention  that  the  faith  which 
you  have  received  should  remain  shut  up  within  yourself,  and 
hid  under  a  bushel,  but  rather  that  you  should  be  a  shining 
lamp  to  enlighten  both  great  and  small.  And,  in  fact,  doubt 
not  but  many  have  their  eyes  fixed  on  you,  and  God  has 
turned  them  upon  you  that  you  may  be  more  strongly  im- 
pelled to  put  yourself  forward,  and  point  out  the  way  to 
many  others. 

On  the  one  hand,  you  must  recollect  what  zeal  we  should 
all  possess  that  the  honour  of  God  be  maintained  undiminished 
according  to  the  expression  of  the  Psalmist :  The  zeal  of  thy 
house  hath  eaten  me  up,  and  the  reproaches  they  have  cast  on 
thee,  have  fallen  upon  me.  Therefore  the  pure  doctrine  by 
which  God  wishes  to  be  glorified,  ought  to  be  so  precious  in 
our  sight,  that  when  we  perceive  it  to  be  obscured,  nay,  even 
in  a  manner  abolished  by  errors,  abuses,  deceits,  and  illusions 
of  Satan,  our  zeal  should  be  kindled  to  oppose  them  as  much 
as  lies  in  our  power,  and  inasmuch  as  God  has  pronounced 
that  he  will  render  honourable  those  who  have  honoured 
him. 

On  the  other  hand,  Sire,  the  sighs  and  groanings  of  so  many 
true  believers,  certainly  deserve  to  be  listened  to  by  you,  and 
that  you  should  take  courage  to  come  to  their  aid,  and  procure 
them  relief  as  far  as  you  shall  have  it  in  your  power.  And  at 
present  a  more  fitting  occasion  than  ever  offers  itself  in  this 


1557.]  THE    KING   OF   NAVARRE.  387 

assembling  of  the  States.1  For  it  is  probable  that  in  discussing 
what  concerns  the  public  administration,  the  article  of  religion 
will  not  be  forgotten.  I  am  aware  how  odious  it  will  be  con- 
sidered that  you  should  stir  up  the  quarrel  of  Jesus  Christ. 
But,  Sire,  if  you,  who  ought  to  be  the  organ  of  all  the  children 
of  God,  keep  your  mouth  shut,  who  will  be  bold  enough  to 
open  his  to  pronounce  a  word?  Wait  not  till  God  dispatch  to 
you  a  message  from  heaven,  but  take  it  for  granted  that  in 
calling  you  to  such  an  assembly  and  with  such  a  rank,  he 
produces  you  as  his  witness,  and  the  advocate  of  his  cause;  so 
much  the  more  then  your  natural  magnanimity  should  display 
itself  here.  Even  should  there  be  reason  for  apprehensions 
from  the  difficulties  of  the  position,  inasmuch  as  it  belongs  to 
God  to  fortify  princes  when  they  have  recourse  to  him,  with 
a  free  and  generous  spirit,  I  entreat  you  to  bestir  yourself 
manfully,  as  now  is  the  time  to  make  a  strenuous  effort,  or  it  is 
to  be  feared  that  no  opportunity  will  occur  for  the  future.  If 
the  circumstances  do  not  yet  admit  of  approving  what  is  good 
with  entire  liberty,  and  condemning  what  is  evil,  the  least  thing 
you  can  do  is  to  require  that  the  cause  be  investigated,  and  that 
so  many  poor  people  be  not  condemned  without  any  valid 
reason.  Nay  it  seems  fitting  that  you  should  demonstrate  by 
well  chosen  arguments,  that  it  is  not  for  the  tranquillity  and 
advantage  of  the  kingdom  to  seek  these  ends  by  violent  exe- 
cutions, inasmuch  as  the  fires  of  persecution  do  but  increase 
the  number  of  the  persecuted,  so  that  the  blood  of  the  martyrs 
becomes  the  seed  of  the  church.  It  seems  proper  also  that 
without  furnishing  a  pretext  to  those  who  cannot  relish  the 
gospel,  of  demeaning  themselves  with  too  much  violence,  you 
might  bring  forward  some  points  which  would  not  inspire 
them  with  so  much  horror;  as  to  allege  for  example:  If  a  man 
contented  himself  with  praying  to  God,  and  held  Jesus  Christ 
for  his  advocate,  to  put  him  to  death  for  such  an  offence  is  an 
excess  of  rigour,  and  that  there  might  be  danger  that  God 

1  The  States  General,  in  point  of  fact,  met  at  Paris  the  6th  of  January  1558.  But 
the  three  orders  confined  themselves  to  voting  the  subsidies  necessary  for  continuing 
the  war  with  Spain,  without  occupying  themselves  with  the  subject  of  religion.  The 
king  of  Navarre  was  not  present  at  this  assembly.     De  Thou.  L.  XX. 


388  THE   KING    OF   NAVARRE.  [1557. 

should  be  irritated  against  the  country,  considering  that  the 
apostles  and  disciples  of  our  Lord  Jesus,  who  are  the  true 
mirrors  and  patrons  of  Christianity,  never  knew  what  it  was  to 
offer  up  prayers  to  deceased  Saints.  There  are  also  other 
abuses  so  oppressive  and  enormous  that  there  is  no  possibility 
of  dissimulating  them;  and  notwithstanding,  the  moment 
any  one  ventures  to  make  the  least  remonstrance,  he  is  held 
for  a  heretic,  without  any  further  enquiry,  which  is  an  insup- 
portable excess. 

There  is  also  another  point  to  which  attention  should  most 
certainly  be  directed.  For  precisely  the  more  they  think  to 
obstruct  the  course  of  God's  word,  and  keep  up  the  reigning 
abuses,  many  people  become  profane,  godless,  and  lawless,  be- 
cause many  in  their  hearts  boldly  hold  all  papistry  in  derision, 
knowing  that  there  is  in  it  nothing  but  ignorance  and  folly, 
and  notwithstanding,  fearing  to  expose  their  lives  to  danger, 
they  reject  all  instruction.  And  in  verity,  if  some  remedy  is 
not  promptly  provided  for  this  evil, people  will  be  astonished 
to  see  the  kingdom  overrun  by  such  an  infection.  And  would 
to  God  that  those  who  are  most  cruel  in  having  poor  people 
put  to  death,  were  not  such  despisers  of  God  and  scoffers  at 
all  religion!  It  is  to  be  desired  then  that  the  king  should  be 
reminded  that  if  they  persist  in  oppressing  good  simple  folks, 
who  out  of  their  worthy  zeal  and  fear  of  good,  do  not  chime 
in  with  the  fashionable  opinions,  it  is  to  be  feared  that  the 
vermin  I  have  described  will  spread  and  occupy  the  whole 
country,  so  that  it  will  be  too  late  to  get  rid  of  the  evil. 

I  should  wish  exceedingly,  Sire,  that  your  occupations 
would  leave  you  leisure  to  peruse  a  small  treatise  which  I 
wrote  some  twelve  years  ago,1  when  the  States  of  the  Empire 
were  assembled  to  settle  the  differences  in  religion.  Nay,  I 
will  make  bold  to  beg  of  you  to  deign  to  study  it  leisurely, 
that  you  may  be  better  informed  what  line  of  conduct  it 
would  be  expedient  to  pursue;  not  that  I  presume  to  lay  down 

1  Supplication  and  remonstrance  on  the  state  of  Christendom,  and  the  reformation  of 
the  Church,  to  the  Emperor,  the  Princes  and  States,  nolo  holding  an  imperial  diet  at 
Spire,  1543.  This  treatise  composed  at  first  in  Latin,  was  translated  into  French  by 
Calvin  in  1554.     Opuscules,  p.  506. 


1557.]  MADEMOISELLE    DE   LONGEMEAU".  389 

rules  for  you,  but  because  I  am  confident  that  you  will  not  dis- 
dain to  be  instructed,  either  by  me  or  any  other,  what  is  the 
will  of  Him,  whom  you  desire  to  please  in  every  thing  and 
everywhere,  in  order  to  cleave  to  it  more  firmly. 

Sire,  having  humbly  commended  me  to  your  favourable  in- 
dulgence, I  pray  our  heavenly  Father  to  have  you  in  his 
holy  keeping,  to  direct  you  by  the  Spirit  of  wisdom,  upright- 
ness, and  constancy,  and  to  cause  you  to  prosper  more  and 
more. 

[Fr.  orig. — Library  of  Paris,  Coll.  Dupuy.     Vol.  102.] 


CCCCLXXXV. — To  Mademoiselle  de  Longemeau.1 

He  exhorts  her  to  glorify  God  by  her  constancy  and  fidelity. 

Hth  December  1557. 

Mademoiselle  and  worthy  Sister, — If  I  have  waited  so 
long  before  writing  to  you,  my  reason  was  that  being  at  so 
great  a  distance  from  you,  I  was  not  sufficiently  well  acquainted 
with  your  spiritual  state  in  particular,  and  with  the  incidents 
of  every  day's  occurrence.  Wherefore,  I  have  left  that  duty 
to  those  who  were  on  the  spot,  because  they  knew  better  what 
kind  of  exhortation  was  suited  to  your  case,  and  also  because 
I  had  no  idea  that  the  procedure  would  have  lasted  so  long. 
But  since  God  has  been  pleased  in  prolonging  the  term  to  put 
your  constancy  to  the  proof,  and  at  the  same  time  to  give  you 
time  and  leisure  to  fortify  yourself  beforehand,  and  since  I 
also  have  had  rather  more  frequent  news  of  you  than  hereto- 
fore, I  am  unwilling  to  let  slip  an  occasion  of  declaring  to 
you,  that  if  the  enemies  of  the  truth  are  vigilant  in  pursuing 
your  ruin,  there  are  here  at  least  many  children  of  God,  who 
have  by  no  means  forgotten  you.  In  the  meantime  since  the 
means  of  succouring  you  are  beyond  our  reach,  continue  to 
repose  all  your  trust  on  Him,  in  whom  you  have  hitherto  ex- 
perienced so  firm  a  stay,  and  who  has  given  you  an  opportu- 

1  To  Mademoiselle  de  Longemeau,  prisoner  at  Paris.     See  p.  381,  Note  1. 


390  THE   CHURCH   OF   PARIS.  [1558. 

nity  of  founding  on  him  a  well  grounded  hope.  The  struggles 
you  have  to  maintain  are  diverse,  and  each  of  them  abundantly 
rude  and  difficult,  but  God  has  not  fewer  victories  in  his 
hand,  when  you  shall  do  battle  valiantly  under  his  standard. 
Only  of  this  keep  up  a  constant  remembrance  in  what  warfare 
you  are  engaged,  that  nothing  may  cause  you  to  flinch.  For 
whatever  deliverance  men  may  promise  you,  God  will  not  let 
you  off.  If  you  pretend  to  make  any  compromise  in  order  to 
save  your  life  even  for  three  days,  it  is  selling  your  heavenly 
inheritance  for  three  days'  purchase  of  this  world.  If  it  is 
his  pleasure,  as  it  is  also  my  desire,  he  will  find  out  a  way  to 
make  you  escape.  Only  on  this  point  be  resolved  to  hold 
your  life  only  from  him,  and  in  the  meantime  to  be  prepared 
to  follow  wherever  he  shall  call  you,  knowing  that  he  will 
not  suffer  you  to  be  tempted  beyond  measure,  and  also  that 
it  ought  to  suffice  you,  however  he  may  dispose  events,  that 
he  will  turn  every  thing  to  his  own  glory  as  well  as  your 
salvation. 

Whereupon,  Mademoiselle,  and  well  beloved  sister,  having 
affectionately  commended  me  to  you,  I  supplicate  our 
heavenly  Father,  to  strengthen  you  with  a  constancy  not  to  be 
overcome,  to  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  and  keep  you  under 
his  holy  protection. 

Your  humble  brother, 

Charles  D'Espeville. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Paris,  Dupuy.    Yol.  102.] 


CCCCLXXXVL— To  the  Church  of  Paris.1 

Christian  congratulations — the  sending  of  two  ministers. 

btk  January  1558. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 

1  To  our  very  dear  seigneurs  and  brethren,  the  ministers,  deacons,  and  elders,  of  the 
Church  of  Paris.  This  same  letter  is  found  (Coll.  Dupuy,  vol  102,  copy)  with  this 
address  :  "  To  our  very  dear  seigneurs  and  the  brethren  of  Longueville. 

Seven  of  the  unfortunate  prisoners  of  the  rue  St.  Jacques,  had  already  suffered  mar- 


1558.]  THE    CHURCH    OF   PARIS.  391 

Christ,  be  always  upon  you,  by  the  communication  of  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

Messieurs  and  honoured  brethren, — Though  your  vexa- 
tion and  distresses  affect  us  with  such  affliction  as  the  members 
of  the  same  body  must  necessarily  feel  for  their  mutual  suffer- 
ings ;  nevertheless  God  has  so  much  the  more  manifested  his 
power  in  keeping  you  from  falling,  that  we  have  had  all  of  us 
much  more  ample  cause  for  rejoicing  than  if  you  had  not 
been  persecuted  and  afflicted.  Thus  be  not  astonished  at  your 
weakness,  seeing  how  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  works  in 
you  causing  you  to  take  refuge  therein,  and  for  that  reason 
strive  still  more  and  more,  not  doubting  but  the  Father  of 
mercies  will  at  last  have  compassion  on  you,  so  as  to  afford 
you  relief  in  your  oppressions.  If  several  of  those  who  were 
called  to  the  combat  have  shewn  themselves  too  faint-hearted, 
let  not  their  example  be  to  you  a  stumbling-block  to  cause 
you  to  fall  away,  when  you  reflect,  that  at  all  times  there  have 
been  such  examples,  to  stir  up  the  faithful  to  a  more  diligent 
exercise  of  prayer,  and  dispose  them  to  humility  and  fear. 
Put  in  practice  then  so  much  the  more  the  doctrine  of  pur- 
suing the  path  of  salvation  with  trembling,  knowing  that  it 
is  God  who  bestows  on  us  both  to  will  and  to  do.  On  our 
part,  we  have  thought  it  right  not  to  fail  in  our  duty  towards 
you,  depriving  ourselves  of  our  brother,  who,  as  we  trust, 
will  arrive  among  you  as  soon  as  the  present  letter.  In  fact, 
we  have  not  considered  whom  we  could  send  to  you  with 


tyrdom.  Others  were  about  to  undergo  the  same  fate,  when  one  of  the  captive  ladies 
presented  motives  for  refusing  one  of  the  judges,  and  thus  suspended  the  course  of 
his  cruel  proceedings.  The  intervention  of  the  Reformed  cantons  of  Switzerland  and 
of  the  German  princes,  put  an  end  for  a  time  to  the  punishments.  "  Several,"  says  Beza, 
"  were  sent  to  monasteries,  principally  the  younger  of  the  scholars,  of  whom,  some  not 
being  very  narrowly  watched,  escaped.  The  greater  part  were  sent  before  judges  to 
make  abjuration  and  receive  the  usual  absolution.  Several  dastardly  and  timid  crea- 
tures did  not  care  much  about  obeying  that  order,  others  made  use  of  ambiguous  con- 
fessions. Whatever  was  the  cause,  there  were  great  infirmities  among  many.  There 
were  also  some  who  preferred  to  die  amid  the  stench  and  sufferings  of  the  prisons, 
having  always  constantly  persevered."  Beza,  torn.  i.  p.  132,  133.  The  church  of  Paris 
still  had  to  lament  the  fate  of  thirty  of  its  members  who  were  detained.  Informed 
of  these  circumstances,  Calvin  addressed  pious  exhortations  to  his  afflicted  brethren, 
and  announced  to  them  the  sending  off  of  two  ministers  for  them  from  Geneva. 


392  THE   CHURCH    OF    PARIS.  [1558. 

least  inconvenience  to  ourselves,  but  we  have  chosen  from 
among  our  colleagues  the  fittest  for  this  mission.1  On  his 
own  part,  he  has  displayed  so  much  good  will  for  the  under- 
taking that  we  doubt  not  that  He  who  has  given  him  so  much 
zeal  and  ardour  will  bless  his  teaching  and  make  it  fructify. 
This  ought  also  to  be  a  spur  to  urge  you  to  apply  to  your 
use  the  good  which  he  offers  you.  As  for  the  other,2  I  have 
done  all  in  my  power  to  induce  him  to  go  to  you,  and  he 
himself  seemed  sufficiently  disposed,  but  the  thing  was  im- 
possible unless  he  consented  to  break  up  all  his  connections; 
moreover,  I  am  not  sure  that  it  would  be  expedient  for  him 
to  go  and  take  up  a  settled  residence  among  you,  because  his 
presence  could  hardly  be  concealed,  and  might  too  violently 
inflame  the  rage  of  the  enemy.  For  a  journey  of  a  very 
short  duration,  when  there  should  be  an  extraordinary  call 
for  it,  it  might  be  less  difficult  to  induce  him.  In  the  mean 
time,  avail  yourselves  of  what  God  grants  you,  which  is  not 
to  be  despised — besides,  our  excellent  brother,  M.  de  la  Eoche, 
has  promised  us  that  he  will  return  in  a  short  time  to  labour 
among  you  as  valiantly  as  ever.3 

Whereupon,  beloved  seigneurs  and  brethren,  having  heart- 
ily commended  ourselves  to  your  prayers,  we  supplicate  the 
Father  of  mercies  to  increase  more  and  more  his  grace  in  you 
and  keep  you  under  his  protection.4 

1  Registers  of  the  society  :  "  The  1st  January  1558,  our  brother,  Master  John 
Ma  car,  left  our  town  to  go  and  administer  the  word  of  God  in  the  church  of  Paris,  to 
which  he  had  been  chosen,  instead  of  our  brother  Nicholas  des  Gallars."  He  returned 
to  Genovaat  the  end  of  the  same  year,  and  died  in  1560. 

a  No  doubt  Francis  de  Morel.  Recalled  from  Paris,  July  1557,  he  returned  there 
in  the  month  of  December  1558,  to  replace  the  minister  Macar.  "  At  the  same  time 
set  out  from  this  Master  Francis  de  Morel,  to  go  and  preach  at  Paris,  instead  of  our 
brother,  M.  Macar,  who  had  come  back  here."     Registers  of  the  society. 

a  Anthony  de  la  Roche  Chandieu,  a  nobleman  of  Forey,  appointed  at  the  age  of 
twenty  minister  of  the  church  of  Paris.  He  served  this  church  almost  uninterruptedly 
from  1555  to  1572,  escaped  by  miracle  the  massacre  of  St.  Bartholomew,  became  almo- 
ner of  the  King  of  Navarre,  and  died  at  Geneva,  in  1594.  We  have  several  works 
written  by  him  under  the  feigned  name  of  Sadeel  or  Zamaricl,  (in  Hebrew,  field  of 
God.)  The  first  in  the  order  of  dates  is  the  history  of  the  persecutions  and  martyrs 
of  the  Church  of  Paris  from  the  year  1557  to  the  time  of  Charles  IX.  Lyons,  1663, 
in  8vo. 

4  Here  the  letter  was  dated  1556,  on  the  Geneva  manuscript :  an  error  of  the  copyist 


1558.]  THE  CHURCH  OF  MEAUX.  393 

I  do  not  write  for  the  present  to  M.  de  Racham,  because 
there  is  nothing  new  ;  only  I  beg  Mr.  Melcar  to  let  me  have, 
if  it  is  possible,  and  without  delay,  the  memoirs  of  which  he 
spoke  during  his  last  journey.  I  fancy  Pellissier  will  have 
no  objections  to  communicate  them  to  him.  May  God  of  his 
infinite  goodness  always  support  and  protect  you. 
Your  humble  brother, 

Charles  D'Espeville. 
In  the  name  of  the  society. 
[Fr.  copy,  Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107.] 


CCCCLXXXVIL— To  the  Church  of  Meaux.1 

Pious  exhortations — the  sending  of  a  minister. 

5th  January  155S. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father,  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  be  always  upon  you,  by  the  communication  of  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

Beloved  Seigneurs  and  Brethren, — We  doubt  not  but 
that  the  example  you  have  lately  witnessed  among  your  neigh- 
bours2 has  been  a  hard  assault  to  shake  your  faith  ;  and  for  this 
reason  we  have  so  much  the  more  cause  to  praise  God,  seeing 
that  he  has  maintained  you  in  such  constancy,  that  you  had 
rather  continue  in  his  service,  amid  threats  of  the  enemy  and 
the  troubles  and  perils  which  Satan  devises  against  you,  than  go 

'  The  address  is  wanting.     A  letter  written  to  a  church  near  Paris,  probably  Meaux. 

Meaux,  the  cradle  of  the  French  reform,  received  in  1521  under  the  auspices  of 
Bishop  AVilliam  Briconnet  the  missionaries  of  the  new  faith,  Le  Fevre  d'Etaples, 
Gerard  Roussel,  Farel,  and  counted  numerous  martyrs  within  its  walls.  The  Re- 
formed Church  of  Meaux  established,  in  1546,  on  the  model  of  that  of  Strasbourg,  was 
definitively  organized  in  1555,  in  imitation  of  that  of  Paris,  and  deserved  from  its  con- 
stancy amid  persecutions,  this  fine  eulogium  of  Beza:  "The  little  flock  of  Meaux, 
composed  mostly  of  artisans,  as  wool  carders,  clothiers,  et<\,  has  not  only  served  as 
an  example  to  all  the  churches  of  France,  but  has  also  begotten  to  the  Lord  several 
other  churches,  and  that  too  of  the  greatest.  What  is  more,  it  may  boast  of  having 
offered  martyrs  to  God  as  its  first  fruits,  since  this  restoration  of  the  gospel."  Tom. 
i.  pp.  6,  49,  and  101. 

8  The  Church  of  Pari3. 

50 


39-i  THE    CHURCH   OF    MEAUX.  [1558. 

a  backsliding  to  escape  from  persecution.  And  indeed  the 
more  we  see  the  enemies  of  the  church  filled  with  animosity, 
the  more  God  gives  full  scope  to  their  hatred  in  order  to  try 
the  faith  of  his  children  and  teach  them  humility — so  much 
the  more  should  you  prepare  yourselves  for  greater  struggles. 
Therefore,  as  you  have  already  taken  up  a  resolution,  con- 
tinue to  fortify  yourselves  with  the  arms  which  will  render 
you  invincible — to  wit,  to  confirm  yourselves  more  and  more 
in  the  doctrine  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  exercising  your- 
selves in  prayer  to  our  heavenly  Father  to  the  end  that  he 
may  always  retain  you  in  the  number  of  his  followers.  "We 
make  no  doubt  but  that  such  simplicity  will  be  held  in  de- 
rision by  many  people  who  forge  a  God  according  to  their 
wishes — even  though  they  make  pretensions  to  have  tasted 
of  the  purity  of  the  gospel.  But  consider  what  God  has  pro- 
vided, and  let  his  word  alone  have  such  authority  among  all, 
that  nothing  shall  shake  you  so  as  to  make  you  quit  what  you 
have  already  known  to  be  necessary  to  your  salvation.  For 
the  rest,  seeing  the  earnest  desire  you  have  to  be  instructed, 
we  have  sent  to  you  our  brother,  the  bearer  of  the  present 
letter,  who,  having  lived  intimately  among  us  for  some  time, 
has  also  so  conducted  himself  that  we  have  great  hopes  that 
he  will  be  fitted  for  edifying  you,  both  in  sound  doctrine  and 
in  probity  and  uprightness  of  life  ;  it  remains  for  you  to 
give  him  on  your  own  part  such  encouragement  as  will  cause 
him  to  strive  cheerfully  to  acquit  himself  of  his  duty,  and 
that  you  testify  by  effects  that  without  dissimulation  you  desire 
to  obey  the  great  Shepherd,  who  will  watch  over  you  when 
you  shall  be  docile  in  following  him,  whom  we  fervently 
pray  to  be  your  stay  in  the  midst  of  trials,  to  conduct  you 
by  his  Holy  Spirit,  to  strengthen  you  in  all  courage  ;  com- 
mending us  to  your  fervent  prayers, 
Your  very  humble  brother, 

Charles  D'Espeville. 
In  the  name  of  the  society. 
[Fr.  copy — Library  of  Paris,  Dupuy.    Yol.  102.] 


1558.]  THE   CHURCH    OF   DIEPPE.  395 


CCCCLXXXVIII.— To  the  Church  of  Dieppe.1 

He  exhorts  them  to  perseverance,  announcing  to  them  that  a  minister  is  sent  off  to 

them. 

bth  January  155S. 

Beloved  Seigneurs  and  Brethren, — You  will  excuse  us 
if  we  have  not  satisfied  your  desire  so  soon  as  probably  you 
expected.  The  delay  has  arisen  from  our  wish  to  provide 
you  as  well  as  possible,  with  a  man  who  should  faithfully 
busy  himself  about  the  work  of  your  salvation,  and  this  we 
have  endeavoured  to  accomplish  in  sending  to  you  the  bearer, 
who  has  led  such  a  life  among  us,  that  you  will  be  edified  by 
it;  and  as  be  fears  God,  and  has  shewn,  by  the  present  act,  the 
zeal  which  he  has  to  advance  the  reign  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  we  doubt  not,  that  having  known  him,  you  will  have 
reason  to  be  satisfied.  Add  to  that,  that  he  possesses  sound 
doctrine  to  shew  you  the  way  of  salvation  in  all  simplicity. 
It  remains  that  on  your  part  you  take  courage,  in  order  to 
profit  by  him,  and  that  your  kind  welcome  stir  him  up  still 
more  to  acquit  himself  of  his  duty,  in  seeing  the  fruits  of  his 
labour.  Whereupon  we  entreat  you  in  the  name  of  God, 
hoping  that,  as  you  have  already  begun,  you  will  continue 
unto  the  end.     And  already  we  have  rejoiced  exceedingly 

1  Founded  in  the  reign  of  Henry  II.,  the  Church  of  Dieppe,  one  of  the  first  of 
Normandy,  after  Rouen,  had  the  honour  of  counting  among  its  ministers  the  celebra- 
ted Scotch  Reformer  John  Knox.  We  read  indeed  in  a  letter  of  the  brethren  of  Dieppe 
to  Calvin  of  the  12th  April  1559  :  "  May  God  protect  you,  dearly  beloved  and  honoured 
fathers  and  brethren.  All  the  church  of  the  Lord  which  is  in  this  place  and  the  min- 
isters thereof  salute  you,  as  also  John  Knox,  a  Scotchman,  and  a  singular  organ  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  who  according  to  the  graces  which  the  Lord  has  liberally  bestowed 
on  him,  has  faithfully  laid  himself  out  to  promote  by  holy  preachings  the  glory  of 
Christ,  during  the  short  time  that  he  has  had  an  opportunity  of  living  with  us. — 
Library  of  Geneva,  vol.  113.  The  Church  of  Dieppe  rapidly  increased.  It  had  already 
received  in  1558  a  minister  from  Geneva,  as  is  shewn  by  the  Registers  of  the  Society 
of  the  1st  January  :  "  The  same  day  we  elected  Monsieur  Seguran  to  go  to  Dieppe." 
Two  years  afterwards,  (1560)  this  minister  had  for  successor,  Monsieur  de  Saux, 
Francis  de  St.  Paul,  who  had  preached  the  Reformation  at  Saintes  and  atMontelimart. 
Hist.  Eccl.  torn.  i.  p.  220. 


396  THE   MARCHIONESS   OF   ROTHELIN.  [1558. 

that  jour  faith  has  gained  strength  to  surmount  the  discour- 
agement that  had  taken  possession  of  you  for  some  time.  Now 
as  we  have  to  praise  God  because  he  has  raised  you  up  again, 
this  experience  should  at  the  same  time  maintain  you  in 
greater  fear  and  anxiety  for  the  future,  for  besides  the  troubles, 
threats,  and  alarms,  that  Satan  devises  by  his  agents  against 
the  children  of  God,  the  corruptions  are  so  great  every  where 
that  those  who  desire  to  serve  God  purely  and  in  integrity, 
have  much  need  to  keep  themselves  on  their  guard.  Where- 
fore, seeing  there  is  no  better  means  than  to  assemble  your- 
selves under  the  banner,  exercise  yourselves  in  receiving  good 
instruction  by  which  you  shall  be  so  fortified  as  to  remain  in- 
vincible against  all  attacks. 

Whereupon,  beloved  seigneurs  and  brethren,  having  com- 
mended us  to  your  fervent  prayers,  we  will  supplicate  our 
heavenly  Father  to  have  you  in  his  holy  keeping,  to  strengthen 
y'ou  to  a  true  perseverance  in  glorifying  his  holy  name,  and 
to  increase  you  in  every  good. 
Your  humble  brother, 


Charles  D'Espeville. 


In  the  name  of  the  society. 
[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Yol.  107.] 


CCCCLXXXIX. — To  the  Marchioness  of  Eothelin.1 

He  exhorts  her  to  serve  God  faithfully,  in  prosperity  as  well  as  in  affliction. 

5th  January  1558. 

Madame, — Though  it  were  to  be  desired  that  you  had  leave 
to  serve  God  with  greater  liberty,  nevertheless  because  amid 

1  Jacqueline  de  Rohan,  widow  of  Francis  d'Orleans,  Marquis  of  Rothelin,  added 
nobleness  of  character  to  the  lustre  of  high  birth.  Filled  with  zeal  for  the  Reformation 
of  which  she  had  readily  adopted  the  doctrines,  and  the  propagation  of  which  she 
favoured  in  her  domains,  she  kept  up  a  correspondence  with  Farel  and  Calvin,  and 
visited  the  latter  several  times  at  Geneva.  She  died  in  1587  at  the  Chateau  de  Blandy, 
near  Mclun.  Frances  d'Orleans,  her  daughter,  married  in  1563,  the  Prince  of  Condd, 
who  had  already  lost  Eleonoro  de  Roye,  his  first  wife. 


1558.]  THE    MARCHIONESS    OF    ROTHELIN.  397 

the  obstacles  which  might  turn  you  aside,  he  fortifies  you 
with  perseverance,  he  affords  you  so  much  the  more  ample  oc- 
casion to  bless  his  holy  name.  For  in  that  also  he  shews  you 
a  better  proof  of  his  grace,  and  of  the  power  of  his  Spirit,  than 
if  you  had  only  to  live  in  a  Christian  manner,  in  peace  and 
quietness,  and  without  contradiction.  What  remains  is  not 
only  to  continue,  but  to  increase,  and  to  prepare  yourself  for 
harder  struggles  when  it  shall  please  God  to  call  you  to  them. 
In  fact,  now  is  the  time  that  the  great  ones  of  this  world  ought 
to  put  in  practice  the  saying  of  St.  Paul,  not  to  be  ashamed 
of  the  gospel,  seeing  that  the  high  majesty  of  the  sovereign 
King  is  now  held  in  such  contempt,  nay,  opprobrium,  that  few 
people  openly  declare  themselves  on  his  side.  Be  that  as  it 
may,  if  you  have  not  yet  courage  and  firmness  to  acquit  your- 
self of  your  duty,  do  not  remain  benumbed  in  such  weakness, 
but  let  it  rather  urge  and  stir  you  up  to  pray  to  God,  and  be- 
stir yourself  so  much  the  more.  In  the  meantime  I  have  been 
overjoyed  to  learn  the  excellent  inclination  that  you  have  to 
profit  in  the  school  of  the  Son  of  God,  as  it  is  our  true  wisdom 
to  be  taught  of  him  during  the  whole  course  of  our  life.  And 
indeed  if  we  are  not  diligent  to  receive,  every  day,  instruction 
from  him,  in  proportion  to  the  frailty  that  is  in  us,  the  love 
of  all  of  us  will  soon  wax  cold,  especially  when  almost  every 
body  is  opposed  to  us.  What  is  more,  even  if  the  enemies  of 
the  truth  should  not  make  open  war  on  us,  still  we  have  yet 
more  abundantly  to  strive  against  the  innumerable  temptations 
that  Satan  lays  in  our  way.  Above  all,  the  world  is  now  a 
days  so  corrupted,  there  is  such  indulgence  shewn  to  sins,  that 
we  must  be  well  on  our  guard  indeed,  in  order  to  keep  our- 
selves pure  from  so  many  pollutions.  You  have  but  too  much 
experience  of  that  in  the  gulf  that  is  daily  opening  before  your 
eyes,  to  need  me  to  dwell  longer  on  this  subject.  Neverthe- 
less, I  entreat  you,  Madame,  not  to  become  faint,  but  fixing 
your  eyes  on  that  to  which  we  are  called,  to  acquire  a  relish 
for,  nay,  a  satisfaction  and  repose  in,  the  permanent  felicity 
which  is  promised  to  us  in  the  heavens,  and  in  the  spiritual 
comforts  which  already  in  part  we  feel,  to  nourish  the  hopes 
that  we  ought  to  have  of  them,  until  it  be  given  us  to  have  the 


398  THE   MARCHIONESS   OF   ROTHELIN.  [1558. 

full  enjoyment  of  them.  And  though  your  domestic  afflictions 
are  severe,  forced  as  you  are  to  ransom  at  so  great  a  price 
your  son,1  this  should  but  so  much  the  more  rouse  you  to  place 
all  your  stay  and  comfort  on  heaven.  For  though  God  has 
moderated  the  chastisement  which  he  has  been  pleased  to  send 
you,  yet  has  he  sufficiently  put  you  in  mind  by  one  stroke,  as 
it  were  in  passing,  what  are  the  vicissitudes  of  this  world. 
Thus  I  entreat  you,  Madame,  to  turn  to  profit  this  correction 
of  his  rod,  that  your  heart  may  be  more  disengaged  in  passing 
through  this  earthly  pilgrimage, by  which  miserable  unbelievers 
are  so  completely  absorbed.  Meanwhile  recollect  that  God 
not  only  proposes  to  us  our  complete  felicity  in  the  heavens 
above,  but  promises  also  to  keep  us  under  his  protection  here 
below.  I  believe,  moreover,  that  the  man  whom  I  have  pre- 
sented to  you  will  be  already  in  your  parts.  I  was  unwilling 
to  confide  this  letter  to  him  for  fear  of  accidents.  I  have  long 
been  acquainted  with  his  prudence  and  integrity,  and  can  bear 
testimony  to  you  of  them,  as  also  that  having  a  true  desire 
and  zeal  for  the  service  of  God  he  will  employ  himself  faith- 
fully in  the  work  which  you  shall  require  of  him,  and  will 
confirm  his  sound  doctrine  by  the  excellence  of  his  life.  I 
have  selected  him  not  only  because  he  is  a  staid  and  peaceable 
man,  but  an  honourable  and  highly  esteemed  nobleman.  Till 
God  grant  us  the  satisfaction,  then,  of  seeing  you  anew,  deign 
to  receive  and  to  encourage  him  to  perform  for  you  a  service 
which  ought  to  be  above  all  agreeable  to  you. 

Madame,  after  having  commended   me  to  your  indulgent 
favour,  I  entreat  our  heavenly  Father  to  direct  you  always 
by  his  Spirit,  to  increase  you  in  all  good,  to  have  you  in  his 
keeping,  causing  you  and  your  house  to  prosper. 
Your  most  humble  servant, 

Charles  D'Espeville. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Paris,  Dupuy.     Vol.  102.] 

1  The  young  Duke  of  Longueville.  taken  prisoner  by  the  Spaniards  at  the  battle  of  St. 
Quentin.  The  Marchioness,  his  mother,  was  obliged  to  borrow  of  the  Bernese  thirty 
thousand  gold  crowns  for  his  ransom. 


1558.]  FRANCIS   OTHMAN.  3" 


CCCCXC— To  Francis  Othman.1 

Ecclesiastical  affairs  of  Germany-complaints  against  Melanchthon-renewal  of  the 
alliance  between  Berne  and  Geneva. 

Geneva,  10M  January  1558. 

Crispin  affirms  that  he  does  not  know   who  it  can  be  to 
whom  you  delivered  your  letter.     You  have  done  well  then 
not  to  hesitate  to  repeat  to  me  the  principal  points  of  its  con- 
tents     Though  the  Zurichers  fear,  as  much  as  we  desire,  a 
conference,  it  will  not  for  all  that  be  of  less  utility.     This 
astonishes  me,  that  it  should  be  made  a  pretext  for  avoiding 
it  that  we  shall  have  to  do  with  captious  men,  since  the  de- 
fence of  the  truth  and  of  the  good  cause  will  at  least  be  open 
to  us      It  will  rouse  the  princes  and  make  them  more  atten- 
tive for  the  future.     Nevertheless  I   am   afraid  lest  Philip 
should  now  shrink  back,  who  has  lately  by  his  last  act  sullied 
whatever  renown  he  had  acquired.     And  assuredly,  when  in 
the   person   of  Zwingli  he  has  condemned  the  Swiss,    the 
desponding  feeling  is  increased  which  already  produced  an 
aversion  for  conferences.     Do  you  nevertheless  persevere  as 
long  as  any  hope  of  obtaining  one  remains.     And  certainly 
those  persons  are  too  little  actuated  by  humane  sentiments 
who  can  witness  the  sad  dissensions  which  prevail  without 
being  stimulated  to  seek  a  remedy.     I  have  no  need  to  write 
separately  to  M.  Sturm,  because  I   trust  you  will    be  my  m- 

■  To  that  most  accomplished  man  Francis  Othman,  Jurisconsult  at  Strasbourg,  my 
friend  and  much  esteemed  brother,  greeting. 

Othman  belongs  to  that  class  of  eminent  lawyers  of  the  16th  century,  who  pub- 
,il  embraced  the  Reformation  or  shewed  themselves  favourable  to  Us  octnnes 
Born  at  Paris  the  23d  of  August,  1524,  of  a  family  originally  from  Breslau  m  Sdesm,  and 
which  had  been  honoured  with  parliamentary  functions,  he  pursued  a  bnlhant  course 
of  study,  and  began  a  course  of  lectures  on  law,  at  the  age  of  twenty-two  wUh  „- 
ra  dinary  success.  Three  years  later  (1549)  he  withdrew  to  Geneva,  and  cnaU  d 
that  city  only  to  fill  the  chair  of  humanity  at  Lausanne,  wh,ch  he  exchanged  m  1556 
for  the  law  chair  in  the  university  of  Strasbourg.  An  original  write*  and  a  bold 
thinker,  he  took  an  active  part  in  the  political  controversies  winch   agitated  France 


400  DUKE   OF   WURTEMBERG.  [1558. 

terpreter  with  him,  or  rather  this  letter  will  be  common  to 
both  of  }'ou.  After  many  bickerings,  at  length  a  perpetual 
league  with  the  Bernese  was  yesterday  confirmed  by  a  solemn 
oath.  This,  however,  will  not,  I  fancy,  remove  all  the 
grounds  of  our  contention  ;  it  is  nevertheless  an  advantage 
that  if  any  controversies  shall  still  subsist,  they  will  be  set- 
tled by  equitable  arbiters.  On  this  occasion,  your  brother,1 
of  whose  presence  at  Lausanne  I  was  not  yet  aware,  paid  us 
a  visit.  He  scarcely  spent,  however,  two  full  days  among 
us ;  thus  amid  so  much  bustle,  he  had  but  twice  some  con- 
versation with  me.  I  exhorted  him,  as  the  opportunity  per- 
mitted, to  a  more  decided  progress,  but  I  shall  have  a  better 
opportunity  if  I  go  to  Lausanne.  The  moderation  which 
his  conduct  breathed  gives  me  good  hopes. 

Farewell,  distinguished  sir,  and  respected  brother  ;  you  will 
present  my  kindest  respects  to  M.  Sturm  and  the  others. 
May  the  Lord  bless  you  along  with  your  wife  and  children. 
Our  friends  most  affectionately  salute  you. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lett.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Paris.    Vol.  8586.] 


CCCCXCI. — To  the  Duke  of  Wurtemberg.2 

Persecutions  in  France — refutation  of  the  calumnies  directed  against  the  disciples  of 
the  gospel — warm  entreaties  to  decide  the  German  princes  to  interfere  in  their 
favour. 

Geneva,  2lst  February  1558. 

Monsieur, — Though  on  former  occasions  I  did  not  doubt 
of  the  favourable  reception  my  letters   met  with  from   you, 

during  the  reigns  of  Francis  II  and  Charles  IX,  and  terminated  at  Bale  an  existence 
full  of  labours  and  vicissitudes.  See  Dareste.  Eisai  sur  Francois  Hotman.  Paris, 
1850. 

1  Doubtless  Anthony  Othman,  who  afterwards  became  an  advocate  of  the  parliament 
of  Paris. 

"Christopher,  Duke  of  Wurtemberg,  and  Count  of  Montbeliard,  successor  of  Ulrich, 
who  introduced  the  Reformation  into  his  states,  took  a  part  in  the  League  of  Smalkaldo, 
and  died  after  a  long  and  troubled  reign.  The  Duko  Christopher,  his  son,  shewed 
himself  during  his  whole  reign,  (1550-1558,)  the  zealous  supporter  of  the  Reformation. 


1558.]  THE    DUKE   OF   WURTE3IBKRG.  401 

partly  because  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  been  pleased  to  make 
use  of  me  for  the  preaching  of  his  gospel,  and   partly  also, 
because,  to  the  best  of  my  humble  capacity,  by  my  Commen- 
taries dedicated   and   presented  to   your  Seigneury,  I    have 
publicly  professed  myself  one  of  your  affectionate  servants; 
nevertheless,  when  the  persons  who,  on  the  present  occasion, 
are  to  present  you  my  letters,  went  formerly  to  beseech  you 
to  intercede  with  the  king  in  behalf  of  the  poor  brethren,  I 
refrained  from  writing  to  you,  fearing  I  should  seem  to  attri- 
bute to  myself  too  much  importance.     But  I  was  at  the  same 
time  so  thoroughly  convinced  of  your  favourable  inclinations 
to  this  cause,  that  any  great  degree  of  solicitation  I  deemed 
superfluous.     Now,  however,  that  for  urgent  reasons  it  has 
been  absolutely  necessary  to  undertake  a  third  journey,  1  beg, 
Monseigneur,  you  will  be  pleased  to  excuse  me  if  I  have  taken 
upon  me  to  declare  to  you  that  it  is  not  from  frivolity  of 
character,  or  inconsiderate  zeal,  that  we  have  so  often  returned 
to  you;  but  because  it  is  highly  expedient  that  you,  Mon- 
seio-neur,  and  the  other  illustrious  princes,  should  be  advertised 
of  °the  present  state  of  things.     For  otherwise  you  might  be 
deluded   into  the  belief  that  the  state  of  our  brethren  in  the 
faith  is  not  at  all  alarming,  and  thus  be  prevented  from  doing 
what  you  had  resolved,  and  liberally  promised   to  do.     Now, 
Monseigneur,  I  can  assure  you  for  a  truth,  that  though  out 
of  the  great  number  of  persons,  that  were  at  once  committed 

He  kept  up  a  correspondence  with  Calvin,  who  rendered  homage  to  his  intelligence 
fnd  Piety,  I  dedicating  to  him  his  Commentary  on  the  Epistle  of  St  Paul  to  the 
Galatians  «  God  by  his  erace  has  enabled  you  to  possess  a  help  of  winch  the  greater 
number  of  the  princes  of  the  present  time  are  destitute  :  that  is,  that  having  been  in 
your  early  youth  well  instructed  in  the  knowledge  of  the  Latin  language,  you  can 
Lend  your  leisure  time  in  reading  good  and  pious  books.  And  if  ever  there  was  a 
time  in  which  the  consolations  derived  from  holy  doctrine  were  necessary,  certainly 
it  is  in  our  days  when  nothing  else  is  left  even  to  noble  and  valiant  hearts  by  the 
present  calamity  of  the  church,  or  to  speak  with  more  correctness  by  several  and  more 
extraordinary  calamities  which  seem  impending."  At  the  request  of  Calvin,  this 
prince  joined  the  other  Protestant  princes  of  Germany  in  November  1557,  to  intercede 
for  the  Reformed  brethren  of  Paris,  exposed  to  the  most  cruel  persecution.  The  fol- 
lowing year,  he  renewed  again,  but  without  success,  his  urgent  entreaties  to  Henry 
H.  See  Eht.  dsa  Martyrs,  V,i.  p.  439,  the  letter  of  the  Protestant  Princes  to  the 
King,  dated  from  Frankfort  the  19th  March  1553. 
51 


402 


THE    DUKE    OF    WURTEMBERG.  [1558. 


to  prison,  only  seven1  have  been  burnt,  the  enemies  of  the 
gospel  have  not  for  that  in  the  least  relented.  For  the  king, 
at  the  instigation  of  the  Cardinal  of  Lorraine,  has  declared 
that  he  did  not  content  himself  with  his  court  of  the  Parliament 
of  Paris,  and  with  threats  has  had  his  counsellors  roundly 
rated  for  their  indifference  and  slackness.  For  the  rest,  the 
judges  whom  he  had  deputed  by  the  Cardinal's  desire,  have 
relaxed  their  zeal  from  no  other  motive  than  that  they  did  not 
expect  to  succeed  in  their  designs  by  such  prompt  condemna- 
tions to  the  flames.  For  they  had  sentenced  two  young 
children,2  fully  convinced  that  the  weakness  incident  to  their 
age,  would  cause  them  to  yield  and  make  a  full  recantation, 
and  even  accuse  those  whom  they  style  their  accomplices. 
But  having  seen  the  courage  and  constancy  which  God  had 
bestowed  on  these  children,  they  have  had  recourse  to  craft, 
and  other  means  to  accomplish  step  by  step  the  ruin  of  all. 
For  after  having  examined  every  one  of  the  prisoners,  they 
have  had  upwards  of  thirty  of  them  locked  up,  women  as  well 
as  men,  holding  them  for  already  condemned,  and  only  de- 
ferring their  execution  till  the  moment  arrive  most  propitious 
for  their  projects.  Meanwhile  these  poor  people  lie  rotting 
in  dungeons,  only  waiting  for  the  hour  of  their  death.3  More- 
over it  is  fit  you  should  know,  Monseigneur,  their  manner  of 

1  Here  are  the  names  of  these  Martyrs  :  Nicholas  Clinet,  Taurin  Gravelle,  and  the 
lady  de  Luns,  burned  on  the  27th  September  1557.  Nicholas  Le  Cene  and  Peter 
Gabart,  burned  on  the  second  of  October;  in  fine,  Francis  Rebesiers  and  Frederick 
d'Anville,  students  of  Paris,  burned  in  the  end  of  October.  The  punishments  sus- 
pended for  a  short  time  recommenced  the  following  year. 

""Among  -whom  were  two  young  children  of  singular  courage,  namely,  Rene  du 
Seau,  a  native  of  Saintonge,  who  in  the  times  of  his  ignorance,  was  in  such  a  state  of 
poverty  that  he  made  it  his  business  to  sing  Salve  Reginas,  as  they  commonly  call 
them,  in  the  corners  of  the  streets.*  *  *  The  other  was  called  John  Almaric,  a  native 
of  Luc  in  Provence,  who  already  dangerously  ill,  and  scarcely  able  to  stand,  when  he 
was  summoned  before  the  commissaries  of  the  Parliament,  began  to  recover  his 
strength,  and  going  off  quite  resolutely  to  la  Tournelle,  spoke  with  such  energy  that 
he  was  not  believed  to  be  ill,  and  he  himself  declared  that  he  felt  no  pain  as  long  as 
he  was  there,  and  yet  a  short  time  afterwards  he  died  in  his  dungeon."  Beza,  torn.  i. 
p.  133. 

3  One  of  these  subterraneous  dungeons  of  the  Chatelet  reserved  for  the  lingering 
agony  of  the  prisoners  was  nicknamed  la  poche  a"  hi/pocras.  "There  it  was  impossi- 
ble either  to  stand,  to  sit,  or  even  to  lie,  so  very  narrow  were  its  dimensions."  Francis 
de  Morel  to  Calvin — MSS.  of  Geneva. 


1558.]  THE   "DUKE   OF   WURTEMBERG.  403 

proceeding  with  all  those  whom  they  burn.  After  pronouncing 
their  sentence,  before  leading  them  out  to  the  stake  they  put 
them  to  the  rack,  to  force  them  to  make  disclosures,  so  that  the 
death  of  each  exposes  all  to  danger.  And.  in  order  to  keep 
up  the  suspense  and  perplexity  of  the  persons  liable  to  be 
suspected,  they  cause  the  tongues  of  those  whom  they  have 
thus  tortured  to  be  cut  out,  which  does  not,  however,  exempt 
those  who  are  still  detained  from  expiring  by  protracted 
sufferings;  and  if  God  grants  them  the  grace  to  hold  out,  then 
must  each  endure  exquisite  torments  in  order  not  to  compro- 
mise the  lives  of  his  brethren.  If,  on  the  contrary,  overcome 
by  his  sufferings  any  one  gives  way,  then  the  flames  of  a  great 
persecution  are  anew  lighted  up.  Besides  those  who  are  thus 
reserved,  the  judges  have  distributed  others  up  and  down 
among  the  monasteries,  in  order  to  force  them  by  violent  means 
to  deny  Jesus  Christ.  And,  if  of  these  several  have  escaped, 
we  must  impute  the  cause  of  their  evasion  to  the  monks  alone, 
who  apprehensive  that  they  themselves  should  be  converted 
rather  than  the  courage  of  their  prisoners  shaken,  and  think- 
ing their  cloisters  might  so  be  desecrated,  have  consequently 
neglected  to  maintain  so  strict  a  watch  as  that  none  should 
escape.  So  that  in  short  not  one  has  been  acquitted,  or  let 
out  of  prison,  without  making  a  public  abjuration,  which  is 
blasphemy  against  God  and  his  truth.  Since  that  time,  the 
king,  not  satisfied  with  these  measures,  has  petitioned  the  Pope 
to  appoint  three  Cardinals  to  judge  without  appeal  all  cases 
of  heresy  as  it  is  styled.  Now  since  full  powers  have  been 
granted  to  the  Cardinal  of  Lorraine,  who  breathes  nothing  but 
extermination,  I  leave  you  to  judge,  Monseigneur,  the  condi- 
tion of  the  poor  brethren,  unless  the  divine  goodness  come  to 
their  succour. 

On  the  other  hand,  a  new  edict  has  been  promulgated  by 
the  king,1  conferring  on  the  Bishops,  plenary  jurisdiction  and 
cognizance  of  heresies,  empowering  them  to  declare  heretics 
whomsoever  they  please,  and  in  such  a  manner  that  the  royal 
judges,  whatever  repugnance  they  may  have,  shall  be  bound 
to  order  for  execution  all  the  persons  handed  over  to  them,  the 

1  The  Edict  of  Compiegne,  published  the  24th  July  1557. 


40-i  THE    DUKE    OF   WURTEMBERG.  [1558. 

injunctions  laid  upon  them  on  this  point  being  strict  and 
formal.  And  about  all  these  matters,  Monseigneur,  your  en- 
quiries need  to  be  neither  long  nor  tedious,  for  the  details 
have  been  printed,  and  nothing  is  easier  than  to  procure  them- 
With  regard  to  the  term  Sacramentarians,  it  has  been  craftily 
mixed  up  with  the  cause  of  the  poor  brethren  in  order  to 
render  it  odious,  and  deprive  them  of  all  aid  and  succour.  It 
were  greatly  to  be  desired  that  this  source  of  dissension  which 
has  kindled  so  much  strife  among  us  were  fairly  settled.  For 
my  own  part,  I  had  endeavoured  in  all  my  writings  with  sim- 
plicity to  aim  at  such  moderation  as  might  be  calculated  to 
satisfy  all  persons  of  plain  good  sense.  But  when  I  had  striven 
to  bring  about  a  good  understanding  among  all  the  parties, 
some  wrong-headed  polemics  with  their  importunity  have 
drawn  me  on  by  force  to  the  contest.  To  my  great  regret 
indeed,  for  even  now  I  had  much  rather  lay  myself  out  to  ex- 
plain with  simplicity  the  truth,  in  order  to  come  to  a  holy 
concord,  than  be  forced  to  reply  to  those  who  seek  for  nothing 
but  strife  and  bickerings,  and  fly  at  all  who  are  peaceably  dis- 
posed. And  would  to  God,  that  learned,  equitable,  and  God- 
fearing men  of  the  two  parties  could  be  once  fairly  brought 
together,  to  clear  up  without  wrangling  this  question,  and 
seek  for  some  such  solution  of  the  pure  truth  as  might  give 
tranquillity  to  Christendom,  a  result  which  I  hoped  for  not 
long  ago.  But  inasmuch  as  this  conciliatory  spirit  does  not 
continue,  I  am  afraid  that  we  are  further  and  further  removed 
from  it.  So  much  so  indeed,  that  in  France  they  make  no 
distinction  of  parties,  but  group  under  the  name  of  Sacramen- 
tarians, all  who  do  not  approve  of  the  sacrifice  of  their  mass, 
which  we  with  one  accord  confess  to  be  a  detestable  sacrilege. 
As  indeed,  they  make  no  other  enquiries  respecting  a  man's 
faith,  beyond  exacting  of  him  that  he  avow  this  abomination, 
which  destroys,  and  makes  of  no  effect,  the  virtue  of  the  death 
of  Jesus  Christ.  And  you  will  also  perceive,  Monseigneur, 
that  in  this  category  are  comprised  all  obstinate  persons  and 
relapsers,  a  sure  means  of  putting  to  death  from  the  greatest 
to  the  least,  all  who  persist  in  the  confession  of  the  true  faith. 
Now  there  is  an  almost  infinite  number  of  excellent  people  all 


1558.]  THE  ELECTOR  PALATINE.  405 

over  the  kingdom,  who  may  well  be  afraid  seeing  their  lives 
depending  on  a  thread,  unless  God  take  pity  on  them.  And 
inasmuch  as  they  would  rather  lose  life  and  goods  than  re- 
nounce the  gospel,  I  make  no  doubt,  Monseigneur,  but  you 
and  the  other  most  illustrious  princes  will  be  moved  to  com- 
passion and  stirred  up  to  devise  all  means  of  being  able  to  re- 
lieve them;  as  in  fact  they  have  a  common  cause  with  all  the 
children  of  God,  nor  can  you  perform  an  act  of  greater  virtue 
nor  more  praiseworthy.  To  this  end  I  would  entreat  you 
with  greater  importunity,  Monseigneur,  did  I  not  know  that 
you  are  thereunto  sufficiently  inclined,  and  that  according  to 
your  prudence,  you  will  forget  nothing  that  will  turn  out  ad- 
vantageously. 

Only  this  will  I  say,  that  it  were  to  be  desired  that  the  king 
understood,  once  for  all,  what  doctrine  he  is  persecuting.  For 
nothing  would  be  better,  nor  more  calculated  to  damp  his 
courage  than  to  inform  him,  that  for  want  of  knowing 
thoroughly  the  merit  of  the  cause,  his  wrath  is  now  kindled 
against  the  children  of  God.  Not  that  I  dare  to  request  this 
of  you,  Monseigneur,  but  only  that  you  would  be  pleased  to 
turn  it  over  in  your  mind. 

My  Lord,  after  having  most  humbly  commended  myself  to 
your   indulgent  favour,  I  will  pray  our  heavenly  Father,  to 
keep  you  in  his   holy  protection,  to  direct  you  by  his  holy 
Spirit,  and  give  you  increase  in  all  prosperity. 
[Fr.  copy,  Library  of  Geneva.     Yol.  107.] 


CCCCXCIL— To  the  Elector  Palatine.1 

Apology  for  the  French  Protestants — urgent  appeal  addressed  to  the  German  princes 

in  their  favour. 

Geneva,  2lst  February  1558. 

Most  illustrious  Prince  and  most  prudent  Seigneur, 
— When  formerly  my  most  excellent  brethren,  John  Bude"  and 

'To  the  most  illustrious  and  most  sapient  prince,  Otho  Henry,  Elector,Count  Pala- 
tine  of  the  Holy  Empire,  my  most  clement  Seigneur. 


406  THE   ELECTOR   PALATINE.  [1558. 

Theodore  Beza,  went  to  wait  on  your  highness;  though  they 
undertook  that  journey  at  my  request,  and  though  by  reason 
of  my  office  they  solicited  me  among  others  to  be  their  patron 
in  a  cause  which  was  common  to  all  pious  men  ;  nevertheless 
I  did  not  dare  to  give  them,  what  I  should  so  much  have  de- 
sired, one  word  of  recommendation,  fearing  it  might  seem 
overweening  in  a  man  hitherto  unknown  to  your  highness, 
to  assume  the  liberty  of  writing  to  you  as  if  he  possessed 
authority  and  influence.  But  a  juster  excuse  than  I  could 
have  wished  has  now  been  afforded  me,  for  indeed  what  mod- 
esty then  forbade,  necessity  now  urges  and  impels  me  to  do. 
From  the  accounts  of  the  men  whom  I  have  mentioned,  I 
have  been  informed  that  your  highness  is  too  much  inclined 
to  aid  and  relieve  the  unfortunate  brethren,  to  stand  in  need, 
of  any  exhortation  from  me  or  from  any  one  whatever  to  be 
roused  to  action. 

But  when  they  shall  have  exposed  how  matters  stand  in 
France,  and  concluded  their  full  and  luminous  statement,  your 
highness  will  not  only  commend  their  pious  zeal  manifested 
in  this  second  expedition,  but  will  also  readily  allow  me  to 
associate  myself  as  a  joint  labourer  along  with  them.  Since 
so  liberally,  with  such  unanimity,  and  I  make  no  doubt  with 
no  less  sincere  cordiality,  you,  most  illustrious  princes,  have 
pledged  yourselves  to  make  the  cause  of  the  afflicted  breth- 
ren your  own,  we  are  much  surprised,  and  so  are  the  depu- 
ties, to  conceive  what  cause  has  occasioned  your  delay,  in 
sending  the  embassy  which  you  had  already  decreed.  We  have 
supposed,  nevertheless,  in  the  meantime  that  you  have  adopted 
some  other  means,  with  which  we  are  unacquainted,  but 
which  to  you  has  seemed  better  and  more  expedient.  For 
neither  our  modesty  nor  those  sentiments  of  deference  which 
we  entertain  towards  your  highness  permit  us  to  suppose 
that,  if  in  these  times  of  trouble  you  have  changed  your  mea- 
sures, you  have  for  all  that  any  intention  of  abandoning  to 
their  fate  the  unfortunate  brethren.  While  we  are  thus  kept 
in  suspense  and  perplexity,  a  conjecture  not  quite  unfounded 

Though  educated  by  Lutheran  doctors,  this  prince  published,  1563,  by  the  title  of 
Catechism  of  Heidelberg,  a  Calvinist  Confession  of  Faith. 


407 
1558.]  THE   ELECTOR   PALATINE. 

has  struck  our  minds,  viz  :  that  you  have  been  misled  by 
vain  rumours,  or,  to  express  myself  more  freely  by  th  email- 
ciousarts  of  eertain  individuals.    At  last  we  have  ole  ,  ly 
aseertained,  what  previously  we  only  suspected  that  eertam 
.reedy  and  mercenary  hirelings,  for  the  sake  of  filthy  luc  e 
have  as  their  wont  is,  circulated  false  and  flattering  reporU 
thich  have  damped  your  alacrity ;  your  h.ghness  will  pardon 
me  if  I  unreservedly  lay  bare  the  whole  matter  for  tne  ,e- 
™t  that  the  prisous  are  now  empty,  your  deputies ,  wfll  find 
to  have  been  quite  unfounded  when  they  proceed  thither 
ft  is  true  that  a  considerable  uumbcr  of  persons  were  handed 
over  to  be  detained  as  prisoners   in  private  custody,  from 
wh'ch  some  of  them  have  escaped.    This  indulgence  however 
wa    granted  only  to  young  maidens,  youths  or  others,  be- 
Tongin.  to  illustrious  families,  and  whose  relates  begged 
haf  they  should  be  transferred  to  convents.     But  whosoever 
tawed  rather  more  than  usual  constancy,  even  though  some 
of  them  were  in  peril  of  death  from  severe  illness,  are  still 
shut  up  in  noisomesubterraneous  dungeons,  and  there  endure 
both  stench  and  cold  and  all  sorts  of  cruel  md.gnrt.es.    Should 
your  highness  question  me  respecting  their  numbers  one  eye 
witness    of  whose  good  faith  I   have  not  any  doubts  lately 
wrote  to  me  that  there  are  upwards  of  th.rty  ;  and  of  these 
there  is  not  one  who  is  not  perfectly  conv.nced  that  he  .s 
doomed  to  death.     Just  as  it  is  matter  of  public  notor.ety 
among  us  that  the  judges  of  the  court  of  Par,  have  been  rep    - 
manded  for  being  too  inert  and  rem.ss.    And  rf  the*  faithful 
servants  of  Christ  were  allowed  their  option,  a  speedy  death 
would  be  more  welcome  to  them  than  the  misery  of  a  life 
thus  protracted.     The  Piedmontese  and  the  rest  of  our  Alp.no 
brethren  are  not  treated  with  much  more  len.ty,  only  their 
almost   inaccessible    retreats    afford   them    some  promotion. 
When  summoned  they  offer  no  resistance;  because  God  has 
bound  them  together  by  the  sacred  and  indissoluble  tie  of 
piety  no  one  consults  his  own  safety  apart  from  that  of  others  ; 
but  as  their  enemies  are  actuated  by  the  most  rabid  cruelty, 
whoever  can  be  laid  hold  of  is  dragged  to  prison,  as  at  Turin 
a  minister  of  the  word  at  the  present  moment  is  bound  in 


408  THE  ELECTOR.  PALATINE.  [1558. 

fetters,  and  has  already  passed  two  whole  months  loaded  with 
irons.  The  parliament  of  Grenoble  also  cruelly  harasses  the 
inhabitants  of  a  certain  valley  who  are  kept  in  trepidation 
by  continual  assaults,  and  that  the  king  is  in  no  wise  mollified 
is  manifest  from  the  edicts  recently  promulgated.  Because 
the  judges  were  not  sufficiently  rigorous,  whom  nevertheless 
he  stimulated  to  acts  of  inhumanity  by  the  most  atrocious 
threats,  at  his  request  three  Cardinals  have  been  appointed  by 
the  Roman  Antichrist  to  exercise  their  jurisdiction  according 
to  their  good  pleasure,  or  rather  their  caprice,  by  the  instru- 
mentality of  their  satellites.  The  king,  by  another  edict,  has 
restored  to  the  bishops  and  their  creatures  full  license  to  com- 
mit butcheries,  since  to  them  will  belong  the  disposal  of  life 
and  death.  The  judges;  in  the  meantime,  who  have  been  de- 
prived of  the  right  of  taking  cognizance  of  such  charges,  are 
destined  to  play  the  part  of  executioners.  With  what  foul 
contumelies  the  king  slanders  the  pure  doctrine  of  the  gos- 
pel, your  highness  will  perceive  from  his  edicts,  for  that  he 
seems  to  direct  his  attacks  against  the  Sacramentarians  is  a 
mere  pretence,  as  experience  loudly  demonstrates.  Nor  is  it 
doubtful  that  some  artful  courtiers  insidiously  suggest  this 
name  in  order  to  deceive  the  Roman  princes,  because  they  be- 
lieve that  it  is  held  in  very  general  detestation.  Now  I  sol- 
emnly affirm  in  presence  of  God  and  his  angels,  that  all  per- 
sons are  held  to  be  Sacramentarians  who  do  not  profess  that 
Christ  is  daily  offered  up  as  a  sacrifice  in  the  Papistical  mass. 
Those  then  who  reject  this  abominable  sacrifice  of  the  mass, 
are  exposed  to  the  infamy  of  this  false  and  calumnious  ap- 
pellation, as  if  they  thus  abrogated  the  holy  supper  of  our 
Lord.  And  yet  I  do  not  dissemble  that  our  brethren  of 
France  hold  the  same  opinions  that  are  taught  by  me,  for 
they  make  use  of  the  catechism  of  our  church.  Now  in  truth 
do  they  deserve  to  be  deprived  of  your  highness'  protection 
for  this  reason?  Since  they  acknowledge  that  Christ  truly 
affords  in  his  supper  what  is  therein  symbolized,  and  dis- 
tinctly confess  that  in  the  Lord's  supper  our  souls  feed  on  the 
body  and  blood  of  Christ  exactly  as  we  feed  on  bread  and 
wine  for  the  nourishment  of  our  bodies.     If  their  opinions 


1558.]  THE    ELECTOR   PALATINE.  409 

do  not  exactly  harmonize  with  yours  respecting  the  mode 
of  that  communication,  are  those  persons  to  be  abandoned  in 
their  extreme  peril,  who  believe  that  the  secret  blessings  of 
the  Spirit  are  in  reality  communicated  to  us  through  the  effi- 
cacy of  Christ,  though  they  do  not  believe  that  his  flesh  fills 
heaven  and  earth  ?  For  what  else  is  to  be  sought  for  but  that 
communicants  be  grafted  on  and  united  to  the  body  of  Christ? 
And  if  we  do  not  believe  that  this  can  be  effected  otherwise 
than  according  to  the  nature  of  the  flesh,  certainly  we  derogate 
from  the  power  of  God. 

I  wish  that  this  unfortunate  dispute  could  be  appeased 
under  your  auspices,  and  by  your  prudence  and  authority;  but 
that  in  the  mean  time,  the  martyrs  of  Christ,  exposed  to  the  ex- 
ecutioner, should  be  left  destitute  of  all  succour,  your  highness 
will  acknowledge  to  be  neither  pious  nor  humane.  More- 
over, the  enemies  of  the  gospel  have  nothing  less  in  view 
than  to  establish  any  distinction  of  parties,  since  they  group 
under  the  general  name  of  Sacramentarians,  all  who  confess 
that  the  single  sacrifice  of  Christ  is  sufficient  for  our  eter- 
nal salvation  ;  for  to  them  it  is  perfectly  indifferent  what  men 
believe  respecting  the  communication  of  Christ's  flesh  and 
blood,  provided  the  gains  which  they  derive  from  the  unhal- 
lowed sacrilege  of  the  mass  remain  undiminished.  Besides, 
as  the  edict  adjudges  to  a  like  punishment  the  refractory  and 
those  who  have  relapsed,  it  is  perfectly  clear  that  all  are 
doomed  to  death  who  adhere  to  a  sincere  and  ingenuous  con- 
fession  of  Jesus  Christ. 

I  do  not  perceive  that  anything  further  remains  for  me  to 
say  on  this  subject,  except  suppliantly,  in  the  name  of  the 
French  Church,  to  implore  your  highness  not  to  hesitate  to 
deprecate  the  king  himself,  and  also  to  associate  with  you  in 
the  same  work  the  other  illustrious  princes,  that  his  majesty 
may  understand  that  all  of  you  have  undertaken  this  task 
with  deep  earnestness.  To  prescribe  any  mode  of  proceeding 
is  neither  my  business  nor  that  of  those  who  are  the  bearers 
of  my  letter.  "What,  however,  were  much  to  be  desired,  I 
cannot  refrain  from  pointing  out  to  your  highness,  that  being 
reminded  you  may  deliberate  with  yourself  whether  the  best 
52 


410  BULLINGER.  [1558. 

recommendation  to  be  pressed  on  the  king  would  not  be  once 
for  all  to  make  manifest  what  sort  of  doctrine  he  was  warring 
against.  If,  however,  you  approve  of  the  project  of  submit- 
ting the  faith  of  those  persecuted  to  some  test,  there  will  be 
in  the  hands  of  my  brethren,  Bude'  and  Beza,  a  Confession 
drawn  up,  to  which  all  of  those  to  a  man  will  subscribe  who 
are  at  this  moment  in  France,  tormented  as  heretics.  But, 
lest  my  prolixity  should  prove  tedious  to  you,  I  conclude. 
May  the  Lord,  most  illustrious  prince,  continually  protect 
you,  enrich  you  with  every  blessing,  and  continue  to  direct 
you  by  the  Spirit  of  wisdom  and  invincible  fortitude  even  to 
the  end. 

[Lat.  orig. — Library  of  Geneva.    Tol.  107  a.] 


CCCCXCIIL— To  BULLINGER. 

Dissolution  of  the  conference  of  Worms — complaints  against  Melanchthon — sad  state 
of  the  brethren  in  France. 

Geneva,  23rf  February  1558. 

At  length  I  have  learned  from  your  letter  to  our  friend 
Beza,  most  accomplished  sir  and  respected  brother,  how  un- 
worthily you  have  been  deceived  by  that  Englishman  to  whom 
you  had  entrusted  your  letter,  unless  perhaps  he  died  on  his 
journey,  which  is  not  very  probable.  Perhaps  also  to  gain 
your  confidence  he  told  you  a  falsehood,  in  saying  that  he  was 
the  bearer  of  letters  from  John  Laski.  Now,  though  I  am 
sorry  to  have  missed  the  opportunity  of  reading  a  letter  from 
you ;  yet  what  gives  me  greater  anxiety  is  the  apprehension, 
lest  he  be  one  of  those  vagabonds,  who  by  giving  publicity  to 
our  secrets,  strive  to  gain  importance  among  the  ill-disposed. 
The  unfortunate  issue  of  the  conference  at  Worms1  does  not 

1  The  meeting  at  Frankfort,  taking  up  this  same  year  the  affair  compromised  by  the 
violence  of  the  Theologians  at  Worms,  proclaimed  an  ecclesiastical  concord  to  which 
the  different  German  princes  adhered.  But  the  attempt  to  reconcile  the  churches  of 
Germany  with  those  of  France  and  Switzerland  was  abandoned  forever,  llosp.  Hut. 
Sacram.  lib.  ii.  p.  437,  440. 


1558.]  BULLINGER.  411 

so  much  distress  me,  as  the  inconstancy  of  Philip  moves  both 
my  anger  and  detestation.  For  though  I  had  not  forgotten 
how  pliant  and  weak  he  has  always  been,  and  knew  that  on 
the  present  occasion  also  he  is  too  timid  and  indolent,  never- 
theless he  has  exceeded  himself  far  beyond  what  I  could  ever 
have  suspected.  What  is  more,  I  did  not  think  that  even 
Brentz  would  have  acted  with  so  much  hostility.  But  what- 
ever may  have  dropped  from  them,  it  is  fortunate  that  our 
liberty  in  the  defence  of  sound  doctrine  is  restrained  by  none 
of  their  prejudices.  Even  if  the  conflict  were  to  be  renewed 
to-morrow,  they  are  mistaken  if  they  think  they  have  gained 
an  inch  of  ground;  nay,  I  feel  much  more  ardently  disposed  to 
re-demand  a  conference,  that  a  free  discussion  may  teach  them 
to  conduct  themselves  with  greater  moderation. 

In  the  mean  time  I  have  written  to  James  Andr£,  that  they 
have  acted  neither  rightly,  nor  politely,  nor  considerately,  that 
they  may  be  made  aware  that  all  our  churches  have  been  justly 
offended.  Beza  and  Bude  will  gain  more  information  at  the 
courts  of  the  princes,  for  they  have  been  obliged  to  undertake 
a  third  expedition  ;  partly  because  Michael  Dicer  informed  us 
that  the  cause  of  the  brethren  had  been  betrayed  among  them 
by  a  bribed  knave,  who  had  insinuated  himself  into  the  favour 
of  the  Palatine;  partly  because  the  implacable  rage  of  the  king 
urges  us  to  look  out  for  some  remedy;  for  if  out  of  a  crowd  of 
individuals  several  were  dismissed,  that  was  owing  neither  to 
compassion  nor  clemency,  but  because  seven  of  the  martyrs 
who  had  been  burned  shook  to  such  a  degree,  by  their  con- 
stancy, the  courage  of  the  judges,  that  these  were  of  opinion 
that  some  new  plan  should  be  adopted.  They  made  choice 
then  on  purpose  of  two  youths,  of  whom  the  one  had  scarcely 
entered  on  his  sixteenth  year,  and  who  they  were  in  hopes 
would  be  unequal  to  the  task  of  resisting.  When  they  were 
deceived  in  their  expectations,  they  distributed  about  a 
hundred  of  them  among  the  convents,  with  the  intention  that 
the  monks  should  serve  as  their  daily  tormentors.  Many  of 
these  made  their  escape,  both  because  it  was  desirable  for  the 
monks  that  their  cloisters  should  be  purged  from  such  pests 
for  fear  the  contagion  might  spread  wider,  and  also  because  it 


412  MERCER.  [1558- 

was  burdensome  to  them  to  maintain  gratis  so  many  needy 
persons.  The  more  robust  of  those  who  were  apprehended 
were  shut  up  in  loathsome  cells,  whence  they  were  dragged 
forth  to  execution  on  the  first  opportunity.  The  remissness 
of  the  judges  was  in  the  meantime  reprimanded  by  many  and 
often  repeated  insults  and  threats,  as  if  they  had  conducted 
themselves  in  too  effeminate  a  manner.  The  king  then  humbly 
begged  through  his  ambassador  of  the  Eoman  Antichrist  (for 
the  words  of  the  bull  suggest  this  expression),  that  he  should 
appoint  for  this  investigation  three  Cardinals,  to  whom  is 
granted  an  unrestrained  licence  of  butchery  and  destruction. 
The  king  himself  also  promulgated  a  new  edict  in  which  ab- 
solute power  of  life  and  death  is  entrusted  to  the  bishops,  nor 
are  any  other  duties  left  to  the  royal  judges  except  to  serve 
the  bishops  as  their  executioners.  These  are  the  magnificent 
promises  with  which  he  inveigled  your  countrymen.  These 
things  I  have  thought  proper  to  place  in  their  proper  light, 
lest  you  should  suppose  that  we  busy  ourselves  but  luke- 
warmly in  their  affairs,  when  our  brethren  are  every  where 
trembling  and  terror-struck  by  menacing  edicts. 

Farewell,  most  distinguished  sir  and  venerable  brother; 
be  careful  to  salute  in  my  name  M.  Peter  Martyr  and  your 
fellow-pastors.  May  God  preserve  you  all  in  safety,  direct, 
and  bless  you. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr. — Arch,  of  Zurich,  Gallicana  Scripta.    Gest.  vi.  p.  88J 


CCCCXCIY— To  Mercer.1 

Offer  of  a  professorship  of  Hebrew  at  Geneva. 

Geneva,  Wh  March  1558. 

If,  relying  on  your  natural  politeness,  of  which  I  think  I 
have  abundant  proofs,  I  now  write  to  you  briefly  on  a  serious 

1  John  Mercer,  bora  at  Uzes,  a  small  town  of  Languedoe,  of  a  noble  family,  an<l 
first  of  all  destined  for  the  magistracy,  was  attracted  by  an  irresistible  vocation  to  the 


1558.]  mercer.  413 

business,  I  know  not  whether  I  ought  to  offer  any  apology  ; 
first,  because  writing  from  a  country  village  the  place  itself 
furnishes  an  excuse  for  my  rusticity  ;  add  to  that  an  illness 
of  which  our  brother  Racham  will  give  you  a  further  account, 
but  trusting  to  your  good  nature,  as  I  said,  I  shall  dispense 
with  all  apology.  That  you  may  not  imagine  that  the  cause 
of  which  you  are  about  to  hear  is  negligently  pleaded  by  me, 
learn  that  I  have  been  prevented  from  writing  by  a  pain  in 
my  side,  that  has  reached  the  very  acme  of  suffering.  The 
cause  I  allude  to,  as  in  itself  it  merits  the  highest  attention, 
comes  at  the  same  time  so  recommended  to  me  that  I  would 
willingly  devote  to  it  all  my  energies.  Though  where  you 
now  are  you  have  a  splendid  position,  accompanied  by  many 
advantages  which  solicit  your  stay,  still  I  feel  persuaded  that 
the  habitation  which  keeps  you  entangled  in  so  miserable  a 
servitude  and  such  anxiety  possesses  but  few  attractions. 
For  that  reason,  if  the  choice  were  offered  you,  I  doubt  not 
but  you  would  prefer  living  in  mediocrity  among  us  to 
rolling  in  luxury  where  you  must  be  in  continual  trepidation 
and  almost  pine  away  with  sorrow.  One  thing  I  fear,  if  you 
remove  at  the  present  moment,  it  is  the  sacrifice  of  your 
emoluments,  the  payment  of  which  is  generally  put  off  during 
the  wars.  But  the  spectacle  I  conceive  will  be  the  grander, 
because  the  Lord  has  now  brought  you  out  on  a  more  cele- 
brated theatre  where  the  fruits  of  your  labours  are  conspicu- 
ous, whereas  here  in  an  obscure  and  unknown  corner  you 
cannot  hope  for  the  same  advantages.  But  what  if  God 
offer  you  materials  that  he  has  laid  up  in  store,  and  of  which 
the  inestimable  utility  will  spread  far  and  wide.  A  very 
modest  position  indeed  will  be  offered  you  at  present,  but 
which  is  not  to  be  neglected.  If  it  were  possible  to  decide 
you,  not  even  my  bad  health  would  prevent  me  from  assign- 
ing to  you  most  excellent  reasons  why  it  would  be  expedient 

study  of  the  oriental  languages,  and  succeeded  the  celebrated  Vatable  in  the  He- 
brew chair  in  the  college  of  France.  Mercer,  like  several  of  his  colleagues,  secretly 
professed  the  Reformed  doctrines.  He  resisted  the  solicitations  of  Calvin,  who  on 
different  occasions  made  fruitless  efforts  to  draw  him  to  Geneva.  He  died  in  1570, 
in  his  native  town. 


414  viret.  [1558. 

for  you  to  basten  as  much  as  possible  your  arrival  among  us. 
But,  that  you  may  answer  me  with  less  constraint,  I  shall  now 
simply  propose  the  matter  to  you. 

Farewell,  most  accomplished  sir  and  respected  brother. 
May  the  Lord  continue  to  direct  you  by  his  Spirit  and  power, 
and  grant  that  I  may  one  day  be  a  fellow  worker  with  you 
in  a  labour  of  all  the  most  desirable  to  me — Yours, 

Charles  Passelius.1 

\Lat.  copy,  Library  of  Geneva.    Yol.  107  a.] 


CCCCXCY— To  Viret.2 

He  urges  him  to  resign  his  ministerial  functions  at  Lausanne,  to  come  and  live  at 

Geneva. 

Geneva,  16th  March  1558. 

I  received  your  letter  without  the  gates  of  the  city,  as  I 
was  on  my  way  from  my  brother's  cottage  to  another  village, 
according  to  the  doctor's  prescription  who  orders  me  to  keep 
moving  about.  Satan,  as  I  perceive,  drives  your  adversaries 
on  headlong  to  deny  openly  what  they  might  without  any 
risk  concede.  Certes,  I  thought  they  would  have  been  more 
politic,  that  by  shufflings  and  delays,  they  might  shift  all  the 
odium  and  infamy  of  the  transaction  on  others.  At  present, 
you  have  nothing  more  to  do  with  them.  The  last  act  must 
be  gone  through  with,  namely,  to  call  the  Bernese  to  witness, 
in  the  most  unequivocal  manner,  that  it  is  not  lawful  for  you 
to  delay  any  longer.     A  hard,  but  necessary  struggle!     For 

1  Calvin's  Latin  Pseudonym. 
3  The  ecclesiastical  crisis  in  the  Pays  de  Vaud  was  drawing  to  a  close.  Several 
ministers,  having  exercised  in  their  parish  the  ecclesiastical  discipline  in  spite  of  the 
edicts  of  the  Seigneurs  of  Berne,  were  deposed  and  retired  to  Geneva.  Viret  vainly  pro- 
tested against  the  sentence  which  had  been  directed  against  them,  and  not  being 
able  to  obtain  the  right  of  excommunication,  without  which  the  exercise  of  the  min- 
istry seemed  to  him  impossible,  he  adopted  the  resolution  of  voluntarily  resigning  the 
functions  which  he  had  discharged,  for  upwards  of  twenty  yenr?,  at  Lausanne.  This 
decision,  taken  with  sorrow,  was  not  executed  till  the  first  months  of  the  following 
year,  and  the  secession  of  Viret  drew  on  that  of  a  grwt  number  of  his  colleagues. 
See  Kuchat,  torn.  vi.  p.  256,  and  the  following. 


1558.]  viret.  415 

what  is  to  be  hoped  for  hereafter,  if  you  now  hesitate  to  en- 
gage in  the  conflict  ?  I  shall  assign  no  reasons  why  extreme 
measures  should  now  be  tried  by  you,  because  you  are  per- 
fectly aware  of,  and  have  long  contemplated  the  occurrences 
which  were  to  fall  out.  I  am  very  much  deceived  if  we  are 
not  agreed  on  this  point,  that  in  so  desperate  a  state  of  affairs 
an  example,  at  least,  of  manly  constancy  must  be  given.  Nor 
must  you  leave  out  of  your  thoughts  all  consideration  for 
others.  For  though  it  behoved  all  your  colleagues  to  have 
insisted  more  courageously  along  with  you  for  this  cause  ; 
yet  he  that  is  nearest  consults  too  much  his  own  private  in- 
terests ;  others,  partly  from  ignorance,  partly  from  indolence, 
procrastinate.  In  my  opinion  the  more  worthy  part  of  them 
will  follow  you  as  their  leader.  Anxiety  about  your  flock 
with  reason  torments  you,  but  something  must  be  left  to  the 
providence  of  God.  If  you  must  abandon  your  present 
station,  it  will  be  necessary  to  return  to  your  old  one.  "The 
city  will  not  admit  of  so  great  a  number.''  You  will  Bay,  I 
am  confident  that  the  circuit  of  the  walls  will  be  prolonged 
rather  than  that  the  sons  of  God  shall  be  excluded.  "To  build 
will  be  troublesome  and  expensive."  Let  them  reflect  how 
much  lighter  a  matter  this  is  than  to  live  for  the  space  of 
forty  years  under  tents.  What  if  your  departure  rouse  these 
Cyclopes,  who  in  their  intemperance,  despise  all  instruction  ! 
What  if  it  strike  shame  into  those  good  easy  brethren  who 
sit  idly  at  home,  and  who  delight  in  their  idleness!  In  truth, 
if  you  believe  me,  follow  cheerfully  where  necessity  calls,  or 
rather  drags  you,  because  when  we  have  discharged  our  duty 
nothing  is  better  than  the  testimony  of  a  good  conscience. 

Farewell,  most  upright  brother  and  most  faithful  servant 
of  Christ.  May  the  Lord  now  stand  by  you,  direct,  and  en- 
rich you  more  and  more  with  his  gifts.  I  shall  not  return  to 
Geneva  before  to-morrow,  and  therefore  the  companions  that 
are  in  the  country  along  with  me  send  you  their  kindest 
wishes — Normandie,  Yarennes,  and  our  brother  and  guest 
Taconot — Truly  yours. 

John  Calvin. 

[Lai.  minute — Library  nf  Genera.    Vol.  107  a.] 


416  MADAME   DE   RENTIGNY.  [1558. 


CCCCXCYI.— To  Madame  de  Eextigny.1 

He  blames  her  for  her  weakness,  and  exhorts  her  to  shew  herself  more  courageous  in 
the  confession  of  the  faith. 

10th  April  1558. 

Madame  and  honoured  Sister, — Though  you  have  not 
shewn,  in  time  of  need,  such  courage  and  constancy  as  we 
hoped  from  you,  as  was  to  be  wished  for,  and  as  God  required 
of  you;  still  while  you  feel  dissatisfied  at  your  infirmity,  you 
must  not  lose  heart  to  such  a  degree  as  to  give  up  all.  True 
it  is  you  must  seek  for  no  excuses  to  extenuate  your  fault;  but 
as  Satan  strives  to  plunge  us  in  dissipations  only  to  alienate 
us  from  God  altogether  ;  keep  this  fact  in  mind,  and  in  order 
to  defeat  his  devices,  lay  it  down  as  a  rule  of  conduct,  that 
you  are  not  to  fill  up  the  measure  of  your  offences,  by  adding 
others  to  their  number.  You  have  not  resisted  before  the 
judges  as  you  ought  to  have  done,  you  have  conceded  too 
much  to  your  husband  in  order  to  please  him.  If  you  still 
continue  to  yield  and  give  way,  it  is  to  be  feared  that  all  the 
zeal  and  good  inclination  which  God  had  put  in  your  heart, 

'  See  the  letter  p.  381.  Intimidated  by  the  menaces  of  her  judges,  and  gained 
over  by  the  entreaties  of  her  husband,  Madame  de  Rentigny  consented  to  hear  ma?s 
in  her  prison,  and  she  appeared  to  have  abjured  the  faith  for  which  the  Dame  de  Luna 
had  suffered  martyrdom.  But  scarcely  had  she  recovered  her  liberty,  when  she  blushed 
for  her  weakness  and  solicited  a  pardon  from  the  ministers  of  the  church  of  Paris.  If 
we  may  believe  de  Thou,  she  was  received  into  the  number  of  the  ladies  of  honour 
of  Catherine  de  Medicis,  several  of  whom  professed  in  secret  the  Reformed  religion. 
A  letter  of  the  minister  Maear  to  Calvin  of  the  12th  of  April,  seems  to  indicate  that 
she  had  formed  the  design  of  retiring  to  Geneva,  and  leaves  no  doubt  respecting  her 
real  sentiments  :  "  We  have  consented  that  Madame  de  Rentigny  should  return  to 
her  husband,  because  he  is  labouring  under  a  very  serious  illness,  and  he  ronde  us 
the  most  ample  promises  that  he  would  not  interfere  with  her  faith.  Already  the 
horses  had  been  purchased  to  convey  her  to  your  city.  Certainly  up  to  this  moment 
ehe  has  borne  herself  most  courageously."  (Library  of  Gcicm,  voL  112.  D< 
1.  xix.)  In  another  letter  of  Macar  to  Calvin  of  the  14th  July  1558,  we  reui.irk  the 
following  words  :  "We  sent  Dainpierre  to  Madame  de  Rentigny  that  ho  might  be 
able  to  let  us  know  something  certain  respecting  her.  She  writes  .  .  .  that  her  con- 
dition is  better  than  it  was  formerly;  but  she  has  no  hopes  respecting  her  hoi 
In  the  mean  time  she  commends  herself  to  your  prayers." 


1558.]  MADAME    DE   RENTIGXY.  417 

will  become  deadened.  It  is  no  small  offence  when  you  declare 
to  an  unbeliever  that  you  are  ready  to  prefer  him  to  God. 
Seeing  then,  that  from  not  having  adopted  a  good  and  firm 
resolution  to  follow  God  in  simplicity  aud  straight-forwardness, 
you  have  thus  gone  astray;  in  groaning  over  your  fall,  seek 
comfort  in  Him  who  is  able  to  give  you  the  victory  against  all 
temptations.  To  gain  your  husband  by  all  lawful  means  is  a 
thing  to  be  desired,  and  even  should  he  be  unwilling  to  yield 
to  the  obedience  of  Jesus  Christ,  not  even  then  would  you  be 
justifiable  in  alienating  yourself  from  him.  For  the  rest,  to 
do  him  a  homage  which  involves  in  it  a  sacrilege,  in  order  to 
reconcile  yourself  with  him  to  make  a  divorce  with  God,  in 
maintaining  a  good  intelligence  in  your  conjugal  state  to  pro- 
voke against  you  your  heavenly  Judge,  aud  in  favour  of  an 
earthly  and  perishing  union  to  break  the  everlasting  and 
sacred  bond  by  which  we  are  connected  with  the  Son  of  God, 
our  Saviour;  rather  than  this,  judge  if  it  were  not  better  to 
die  a  hundred  times.  For  should  you  happen  to  tempt  God 
so  far,  Satan  has  terrible  snares  to  catch  those  who  thus  cast 
themselves  away.  Beware  then  lest  God,  who  has  retained 
you  hitherto  and  still  retains  you,  do  not  give  you  loose  reins. 
What  I  say  to  you  is  dictated  by  my  great  anxiety,  though  I 
do  not  say  to  myself  that  the  Father  of  Mercies  will  not  con- 
tinue in  you  what  he  has  begun.  For  he  has  shewn  in  you 
such  evident  marks  of  his  election,  that  we  are  entitled  to  hope 
that  he  will  cause  to  fructify  the  good  seed,  which  he  has 
rooted  in  your  heart.  I  dare  not  venture  to  specify  to  you 
how  and  on  what  conditions  you  may  consent  to  return  to  your 
husband,  because  at  this  distance  I  am  unacquainted  with  too 
many  of  the  circumstances,  and  moreover  in  your  city  you 
have  good  and  faithful  advisers  to  guide  you.  Only  I  beg 
of  you  in  general  not  to  throw  yourself  with  your  eyes  open 
into  a  labyrinth  from  which  you  will  be  unable  to  escape,  but 
that  you  remain  unshaken  in  this  resolution  to  obey  God  in 
the  first  place.  As  it  is  impossible  that  you  shall  not  have  to 
support  hard  trials,  invoke  Him  whose  succour  will  be  suffi- 
cient to  enable  you  to  surmount  them,  praying  him  at  the  same 
time  to  give  you  wisdom  and  counsel  in  all  your  perplexities. 
53 


418  monsieur  d'andelot.  [1558. 

I  will  pray  to  him  on  my  side  along  with  you,  that  in  every 
thing  and  every  where,  he  may  make  manifest  that  he  keeps 
you  under  his  protection  and  the  guidance  of  his  Holy  Spirit. 
Whereupon,  Madame  and  worthy  sister,  having  commended 
myself  affectionately  to  you,  I  will  conclude. 
Your  humble  brother, 

Charles  D'Espeville. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107.] 


CCCCXCVIL— To  Monsieur  d'Andelot.1 

He  congratulates  him  on  his  constancy,  and  engages  him  to  persevere  in  the  confes- 
sion of  the  evangelical  faith. 

10th  May  1558. 

Monseigneur, — Though  I  am  well  persuaded  that  long  be- 
forehand you  have  meditated  how,  in  order  to  ward  off  the 
assaults  that  are  directed  against  you,  you  ought  to  be  armed  and 
fortified,  and  also  doubt  not,  that  (besides  the  advantages 
which  you  have  reaped  from  his  doctrine  in  the  school  of 
Jesus  Christ)  the  persons  who  are  in  closer*  contact  with  you 

1  To  Monsieur  d'Andelot,  prisoner  at  Melun. 

Francis  de  Chatillon,  Seigneur  of  Andelot,  younger  hrother  of  the  Amiral  de 
Coligny,  and  one  of  the  most  valiant  men  of  his  time.  He  dischnrged  in  the  reign 
of  Henry  II.  the  functions  of  Colonel  General  of  the  French  Infantry,  took  an  active 
part  in  the  ranks  of  the  Reformers  in  the  religious  wars,  and  died  in  1569  honoured 
by  the  regrets  both  of  the  Huguenots  and  the  Catholics  :  "  I  may  say  in  trufh,"  wrote 
the  Admiral  his  brother,  '•  that  nobody  in  France  surpassed  him  in  the  profession  of 
arms,  nor  have  I  any  doubt  but  that  foreigners  render  him  the  same  homage,  es- 
pecially those  who  formerly  had  experienced  his  valour  •  *  *  *  and  certainly  I  have 
never  known  a  man  more  equitable,  nor  who  shewed  a  greater  love  of  piety  towards 
God;  *  *  *  and  I  pray  humbly  our  Lord  that  I  may  quit  this  life  with  as  much  piety 
as  I  saw  him  display  at  his  death."  Vie  de  V Amiral  de  Coligny,  Edit.  d'Amsterdnm, 
1643,  p.  74.  D'Andelot,  from  the  nobleness  of  his  character  and  the  fervour  of  his 
faith,  was  worthy  of  this  eulogium.  Summoned  before  Henry  II.  for  having  let  the  Re- 
formation be  freely  preached  over  the  vast  domains  which  he  possessed  in  Brittany,  be 
addressed  to  the  irritated  monarch  these  noble  words  :  "  I  entreat  you,  Sire,  to  leave 
my  conscience  intact,  and  to  make  use  of  my  body  and  wealth  which  are  entirely  at 
your  service."  Beza,  torn.  i.  p.  144.  Imprisoned  by  order  of  the  king  in  the  castle 
of  Mdun,  he  there  received  the  exhortations  of  the  ministers  of  the  church  of  Paris 
and  the  encouragements  of  Calvin. 


1558.]  MONSIEUR  d'andelot.  419 

lay  themselves  out  faithfully  for  your  instruction  as  far  as  an 
opportunity  is  afforded  them.  Notwithstanding  all  that,  I  have 
been  unwilling  to  fail  in  acquitting  myself  of  a  part  of  my 
duty.  I  am  not  certain  that  the  present  letter  will  come  into 
your  hands;  but,  whether  it  will  or  not,  it  is  some  comfort  and 
a  kind  of  relief  for  me  to  endeavour,  if  I  can,  in  any  way,  aid 
you  in  your  struggle.  We  have  all  in  truth  to  praise  God  for 
having  disposed  you  to  cast  your  lot  with  us,  and  the  circum- 
stance he  will  turn  more  to  our  advantage  than  we  can  con- 
ceive. And  indeed  you  must  consider  this  as  a  settled  point, 
that  God  has  led  you,  as  it  were  by  the  hand,  to  be  a  witness 
to  his  truth  in  a  place  from  which  till  now  it  has  been  banished. 
But  recollect  that  in  bestowing  on  you  so  much  magnanimity, 
in  the  first  place,  he  has  so  much  the  more  bound  you  to  himself, 
in  order  that  you  might  continually  persist,  so  that  it  would 
be  more  inexcusable  to  draw  back  than  not  to  have  advanced. 
I  perfectly  conceive  in  my  own  mind  a  part  of  the  alarms 
which  you  have  already  experienced,  and  what  is  more,  you 
have  not  yet  seen  the  end  of  them.  But  were  they  a  hundred 
times  ruder  and  more  cruel,  still  the  Master  whom  you  serve 
is  well  worthy  of  the  pains  you  will  take  to  resist  them  to  the 
end,  without  allowing  any  to  cause  you  to  faint.  You  have  here- 
tofore put  your  life  in  peril  for  your  earthly  prince,  and  you 
would  be  ready  to  do  the  like  again  in  case  of  need,  the  rather 
that  it  is  your  duty.  It  is  notjust, then, that  thesovereign  King 
of  heaven  and  earth,  to  whom  the  Father  has  committed  all 
empire,  should  be  less  esteemed,  and  that  you  should  think  it 
a  hardship  to  create  enemies  in  order  to  maintain  his  glory, 
seeing  that  we  belong  altogether  to  him,  both  by  the  right  of 
nature  and  by  the  inestimable  price  of  his  blood,  which  he 
spared  not  for  our  salvation;  and  in  addition  to  these  consid- 
erations, the  service  which  we  render  him  cannot  be  lost,  and 
all  that  we  must  endure  for  his  sake  will  turn  to  our  profit ; 
as  St.  Paul,  boasting  that  Christ  is  gain  either  in  living  or 
dying,  well  shews  by  his  example  that  being  assured  of  not 
fighting  at  random  we  have  nothing  to  fear.  You  have  already 
felt,  as  I  think,  that  the  sharpest  and  most  difficult  assault  is 
that  of  those  who  under  colour  of  friendship,  with  insinuating 


•±20  MONSIEUR  d'andelot.  [1558. 

arts,  seek  to  make  you  swerve  from  the  right  way.  Those 
persons  are  never  unprovided  with  plausible  pretexts  and  al- 
lurements; so  much  the  more  then  you  have  need  to  put  in 
practice  the  doctrine  of  the  apostle,  to  take  good  heed  and  to 
steel  yourself  against  flatteries  as  well  as  fears.  It  was  the 
resolution  of  Moses,  who,  having  it  in  his  power  to  be  great  at 
the  court  of  Egypt,  preferred  the  opprobrium  of  Christ  to  all 
the  pomps  and  perishing  delights  which  would  have  cost  him 
too  dear,  had  he  allowed  himself  to  be  detained.  Now  the 
apostle  shews  whence  he  derived  this  courage;  it  was  in  hard- 
ening himself  by  looking  upon  God. 

Thus,  Monseigneur,  elevating  your  thoughts,  learn  to  stop 
your  ears  against  all  the  blasts  of  Satan,  which  strive  only  to 
overthrow  your  salvation,  by  shaking  the  constancy  of  your 
faith.  Learn  to  shut  your  eyes  on  all  distractions  that  would 
tend  to  turn  you  aside,  aware  that  they  are  but  so  many  de- 
ceits of  our  mortal  enemy.  And  by  whatever  wiles  they  en- 
gage you  to  purchase  your  safety  in  breaking  the  faith  pledged 
to  the  Son  of  God,  let  this  saying  be  deeply  stamped  on  your 
memory,  that  he  will  be  confessed  of  you  on  pain  of  your  being 
disavowed  and  renounced  by  him.  Many  indeed,  now  a  days, 
think  they  have  but  to  wipe  their  mouth,  after  it  has  denied 
the  truth;  but  for  all  that  the  confession  thereof  is  too  precious 
to  God  to  be  so  lightly  esteemed.  And  though  it  seems  lost 
pains  to  bear  witness  to  the  gospel  among  those  who  are  rebels 
to  it,  or  even  that  such  witnessing  gives  rise  but  to  derision 
and  opprobrium ;  yet,  since  it  is  a  sacrifice  well  pleasing  to  God, 
let  us  content  ourselves  with  being  approved  of  by  him.  One 
thing  is  certain,  he  will  cause  our  simplicity  to  bring  forth 
more  fruit  than  we  imagine,  provided  only  we  observe  what 
he  commands.  And  though  you  should  not  be  agitated  by 
troubles  from  without,  you  are  not  ignorant  that  we  have 
to  struggle  against  many  temptations  from  within.  But  what- 
ever infirmity  you  may  feel,  it  is  then  that  you  ought  to  bestir 
yourself  not  to  lose  courage,  inasmuch  as  his  aid  will  not  fail 
you  in  time  of  need,  to  enable  you  to  gain  such  a  victory  as 
shall  cover  with  confusion  Satan  and  his  followers.  Commit 
yourself  into  the  hands  of  Him  to  whom  your  life  is  precious, 


1558.]  PETER   MARTYR.  421 

and  who  has  the  issues  of  life  and  death,  waiting  for  what  it 
shall  please  him  to  order  for  your  salvation,  for  he  will  shew 
it  at  the  convenient  season.  And  because  perseverance  is  a 
singular  gift  from  on  high,  cease  not  to  call  upon  this  kind 
Father  that  he  would  strengthen  you,  for  which  we  shall  not 
fail  to  pray  to  him  along  with  you,  as  it  is  the  duty  of  all 
the  children  of  God  to  be  anxious  on  your  account. 

Whereupon,  Monseigneur,  having  commended  me  to  your 
kind  favour  and  prayers,  I  will  supplicate  our  heavenly 
Father  to  have  you  under  his  protection,  to  make  you  feel  by 
effects  the  value  of  such  a  blessing,  to  guide  you  by  his  Spirit, 
and  to  arm  you  with  a  constancy  not  to  be  overcome,  in  order 
that  you  may  prevail  over  all  your  enemies  and  glorify  his 
holy  name. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107.] 


CCCCXCVIIL— To  Peter  Martyr. 

Theological  labours — troubles  of  the  Italian  Church  of  Geneva. 

Geneva,  22d  May  1558. 

"Within  the  last  few  days  I  received  two  letters  from  you, 
most  distinguished  sir.  By  the  former  I  was  pleased  to  learn 
that  the  short  tract  in  which  I  wished  to  defend  the  eternal 
providence  of  God  against  the  vile  calumnies  of  a  driveller, 
had  your  approbation.  I  knew  that  from  your  heart  you 
favoured  the  cause  which  is  common  to  both  of  us.  I  am 
aware  that  the  cause  was  not  pleaded  with  that  ability  and 
address  of  which  it  was  susceptible;  nay,  as  I  approached  it  un- 
willingly, the  aversion  which  I  felt  for  breaking  the  subject 
prevented  me  from  doing  it  full  justice.  However,  I  am 
abundantly  satisfied,  if  it  has  suffered  no  wrong  at  my  hands. 
But,  it  is  much  more  agreeable  to  me  to  learn  that  your 
commentaries  are  now  in  the  press,  in  which  a  copious  and 
perspicuous  explanation  will  be  given  of  these  matters.  When, 
in  fine,  will  something  come  out  on  Genesis  and  the  Prophets  ? 


422  PETER   MARTYR.  [1558. 

Why  are  you  not  here,  that  I  might  wrench  from  your  hands 
what  you  so  long  keep  back?  Our  friend,  N.,  has  expe- 
rienced in  a  trifling  matter  how  much  importance  I  attach  to 
your  testimony  and  recommendation.  It  will  not  be  my  fault, 
however,  if  ere  long  you  do  not  find  me  prompt  and  prepared 
to  render  you  more  important  services.  Within  the  last  few 
days  there  has  been  some  disturbance  in  the  Italian  Church.1 
Gribaldi  had  been  scattering  some  seeds  of  his  errors,  of 
which  the  principal  points  come  to  this:  that  there  is  one 
only  God,  who  is  the  Father  of  Jesus  Christ,  that  all  power  is 
concentrated  in  the  Father  alone, — that  Christ  is  a  secondary 
personage,  and,  as  it  were,  the  first-born  among  a  race  of  gods. 
The  simple  did  not  well  apprehend  this,  nevertheless  being 
once  entangled  in  false  principles,  by  obstinately  defending 
what  they  had  never  understood,  they  had  begun  to  repudi- 
ate things  about  which  there  is  no  controversy  among  pious 
men.  Already,  in  the  lifetime  of  our  most  excellent  brother, 
Martinengo,  these  dissensions  were  beginning  to  spring  up. 
On  his  death-bed,  therefore,  he  had  exhorted  me  and  my  col- 
leagues with  the  greatest  earnestness,  to  direct  all  our  attention 
to  guard  against,  and  to  remedy  this  evil.  Calling  me  espe- 
cially by  name,  several  times  he  said:  You  who  have,  hitherto, 
been  a  father  both  to  me  and  mine,  I  charge  to  take  under 
your  faithful  direction  my  flock,  now  deprived  of  their  pastor, 
and  the  better  you  are  acquainted  with  the  distempers,  from 
which  the  greatest  danger  threatens  us,  the  more  sedulously 
should  you  watch,  to  apply  a  speedy  remedy.  After  his  death, 
Lactanzio  and  I  had  much  trouble  in  pacifying  turbulent 
men,  who,  under  pretence  of  doubting,  imbued  others  with 
their  foolish  errors.  When  I  fancied  that  all  had  been  set- 
tled, it  suddenly  appeared  that  there  had  been  many  more  se- 
duced by  their  clandestine  arts.  To  remedy  this  evil,  no 
other  method  seemed  so  proper  as  to  propose  to  them  all,  to 
subscribe  the  formulary  of  a  certain  Confession,  which  being 
offered  them,  every  one  was  left  at  liberty  to  propose  what 
objections  he  pleased, if  anything  in  the  formulary  did  not  meet 
with  his  approbation.     I  thus  removed  all  scruples,  and  got 

1  See  the  letter  to  Marquis  de  Vico,  19th  July,  1558. 


1558.]  THE   KING   OF   NAVARRE.  423 

rid  of  difficulties,  so  that  now  I  am  perfectly  confident  that 
the  church  has  again  come  together  in  a  holy  unity.  I  wished 
to  inform  you  of  these  things-that  if  any  rumour  should  be 
brought  to  your  ears,  you  might  not  feel  anxious  as  about  an 
event  yet  uncertain. 

Farewell,  most  accomplished  sir  and  honoured  brother.  May 
the  Lord  long  preserve  you  in  safety  for  himself  and  for  his 
church.     May  he  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  and  bless  you.— 

Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Calvin's  Lat.  Corresp.     Opera,  torn.  ix.  p.  128-1 


CCCCXCIX.— To  the  King  of  Navarre.1 

He  urges  him  to  shew  himself  the  courageous  protector  of  the  French  Protestants, 
whose  faith  he  shares. 

8th  June  1558. 

Sire  —Though  it  might  seem  fit  that  during  the  troubles 
that  ha've  lately  broken  out,  I  ought  to  spare  you,  yet  I  shall 
not  fear,  in  so  urgent  a  necessity,  to  beg  and  implore  you,  in 
the  name  of  God,  to  occupy  yourself  with  what  God  requires 
of  you  ;  hoping  that  you  will  not  consider  it  as  an  importu- 
nity if  I  plead  the  cause  of  the  sovereign  King,  to  whom  we 
cannot  render  the   hundredth    part    of   what  we  owe  him, 

•  In  *pite  of  the  rigour  of  royal  edicts,  and  the  severities  of  the  parliaments,  the 
Reformation  made  rapid  progress  at  Paris.  From  playing  the  part  of  obscure  mis- 
sionaries,  its  ministers  passed  boldly  to  the  public  manifestation  of  their  faith. 
Every  day  an  immense  crowd  walked  about  in  the  Pri  aux  Clercs,  singing  the  psalms 
of  Clement  Marot,  set  to  music  by  Goudimel.  One  of  the  most  remarkable  persons 
in  these  bands  was  the  King  of  Navarre  accompanied  by  the  prince  of  Conde,  his 
brother,  and  a  great  number  of  Seigneurs.  The  courage  of  this  prince  seemed  to  in- 
crease with  the  perils  of  the  faith  which  he  had  embraced.  The  minister  la  Roche 
Chandieu,  having  been  surprised  in  a  secret  assembly  and  conducted  to  the  Chatelet, 
«  this  kin-  "  says  Beza,  "  went  there  the  following  day  to  claim  him  as  one  of  his 
household"  and  brought  him  away  safe  and  sound, .  .  .  and  would  to  God  he  had 
always  had  the  same  courage."  Beza,  torn.  i.  pp.  140  and  141.  All  the  hopes  of 
the  Reformed  churches,  decimated  by  persecution,  then  centered  in  the  king  of 
Navarre.  Calvin  exhorted  him  to  justify  the  general  expectation  by  a  public  profession 
of  his  faith  before  the  court. 


424  THE    KING    OF   NAVARRE.  [1558. 

even  if  every  one  should  strive  with  all  his  faculties  to  busy 
himself  in  his  service.  True  it  is  that  in  deliberating  whether 
it  would  be  proper  to  write  to  you,  I  have  forborne  for  some 
time.  But  since  I  can  do  nothing  better,  I  have  at  length 
resolved  that  my  wisest  plan  would  be  to  address  you  with 
that  boldness  to  which  you  have  been  pleased  by  your  letters 
to  accustom  me  ;  especially  because  I  doubt  not  that  you 
have  need  of  being  encouraged  amid  the  assaults  which  Satan 
has  directed  against  you.  For  it  is  in  such  circumstances 
that  our  weakness  so  manifests  itself,  that  were  we  not  for- 
tified from  on  high  the  ablest  of  us  would  give  way.  Now, 
though  there  is  wherewithal  to  astound,  on  the  first  view  of 
it,  both  great  and  small,  nevertheless,  I  pray  you,  Sire,  to  re- 
flect duly  on  the  opening  which  God  has  made  to  advance 
the  pure  truth  and  his  gospel.  For  on  whatever  occasion  he 
brings  you  forward,  it  is  certain  that  he  wishes  to  prove  what 
affection  you  bear  towards  him.  And  if  till  now  it  would 
have  been  lawful  for  you  to  maintain  silence,  you  see  that  at 
present  the  excuse  ceases,  when  God  draws  you,  as  it  were, 
by  the  hand,  requiring  that  you  should  bear  testimony  to 
him.  I  am  quite  aware  what  important  results  the  confes- 
sion which  you  will  make  may  have  to  disquiet  you  in  your 
person,  royal  dignity,  states,  honours,  and  property.  But 
whatever  come  of  it,  you  ought  to  consider,  Sire,  how  much 
you  are  bound  and  indebted  to  Him,  from  whom  you  hold 
all  which  you  possess,  and  from  whom  you  expect  what  is 
yet  far  better,  namely,  the  heavenly  inheritance.  The  high 
rank  in  which  you  are  placed,  does  not  exempt  you,  as  you 
know,  from  the  law  and  rule  which  is  common  to  all  the  faith- 
ful, to  maintain  the  doctrine  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in 
which  lies  all  our  happiness  and  our  salvation.  Nay,  in  pro- 
portion as  you  are  raised  above  others,  Sire,  so  much  the 
more  should  you  strive  to  point  out  the  way  to  so  great  a 
people  whose  eyes  are  fixed  on  you,  for  you  know,  according 
as  each  has  received  more  abundant  measures  of  grace,  he 
will  be  called  on  to  render  an  account  of  it. 

Eeflect,  Sire,  how  many  persons  would  trample  under  foot 
all  worldly  respect  to  turn  to  account  the  means  which  God 


1558.]  THE    KING   OF   NAVARRE.  425 

has  bestowed  on  you.  And  in  fact  the  constancy  of  a  single 
man,1  much  inferior  to  you,  inasmuch  as  he  belongs  to  that 
middle  station  which  is  between  you  and  those  of  the  lower 
classes,  affords  a  sufficient  example  to  all  of  what  it  is  their 
duty  to  do.  The  little  ones  of  the  earth  seeing  such  a  mirror 
have  occasion  to  take  courage.  His  equals  or  those  who  are 
nearly  of  the  same  rank,  cannot  but  be  stirred  up  to  keep 
him  company.  But  you,  Sire,  who  march  in  the  van  both 
of  honour  and  rank,  ought  to  be  God's  standard  bearer,  not 
being  ashamed  of  sharing  the  opprobrium  of  the  Son  of  God, 
since  disgrace  for  his  cause  is  more  honourable  than  all  the 
glories  of  the  world.  I  take  it  for  granted  that  you  are 
advised  by  several  to  dissemble  and  keep  yourself  quiet,  on 
pretence  that  you  can  do  no  good  by  openly  declaring  your- 
self. But  if  God's  commandments,  as  it  is  said  in  the  psalm, 
are  your  counsellors,  hearken  rather  unto  them,  Sire,  and 
keep  in  mind  what  they  teach  you  on  this  point,  which  is  to 
bear  witness  to  the  word  of  God  before  kings,  even  when 
they  are  unwilling  to  give  ear  unto  it. 

I  do  not  know  how  far  God  has  drawn  you  hitherto,  but 
if  you  have  begun  in  too  much  weakness,  as  very  often  the 
first  strivings  do  not  find  us  so  well  disposed  as  it  were  to  be 
desired,  I  pray  you  now,  Sire,  to  take  courage.  For  the 
rest,  put  your  confidence  in  Him,  whose  cause  you  defend, 
assured  that  he  will  give  a  good  issue  to  your  magnanimity, 
as  it  is  certain  that  the  enemies  of  God  assume  much  more 
audacity,  and  harden  themselves  in  their  pride,  when  they 
imagine  that  they  have  weakened  you  by  inspiring  you  with 
fear. 

I  mean  not  by  that,  Sire,  to  induce  you  to  build  your  hopes 
on  the  credit  of  the  world,  or  to  arm  yourself  with  it ;  but 
only  to  exhort  you  in  the  name  of  God,  that  committing  all 
your  trust  to  him,  leaning  on  his  strength,  relying  on  his  aid, 
and  hiding  yourself  under  his  protection,  you  should  offer 
to  him,  at  the  same  time,  the  sacrifice  of  the  authority  he  has 
bestowed  on  you,  employing  and  dedicating  it  to  his  service. 
When  you  shall  proceed  then  with  this   straightforwardness, 

1  D'Andelot,  then  prisoner  in  the  castle  of  Melun. 
54 


426  THE   KING   OF   NAVARRE.  [1558 

doubt  not,  Sire,  but  he  will  take  his  own  cause  in  hand,  either 
by  softening  the  king's  heart  to  the  obedience  of  God,  or  in 
moderating  it,  so  that  the  confession  which  you  shall  make 
will  serve  as  a  buckler  to  protect  an  infinite  number  of  the 
poor  brethren,  who  count  upon  you,  and  who  will  be  aston- 
ished if  you  deceive  their  expectations. 

As  for  the  king  and  those  who  stir  him  up  against  the 
true  religion,1  you  cannot,  whatever  face  you  put  on,  avoid 
their  suspecting  you  of  thinking  more  than  you  dare  venture 
to  express.  For  which  reason  it  would  comport  much  better 
with  your  royal  dignity  to  proceed  in  the  matter  frankly, 
especially  as  they  force  you  to  do  so.  But,  though  according  to 
the  world  it  should  seem  neither  useful  nor  expedient  to  con- 
fess the  truth  of  God,  yet  you  have  to  consider,  Sire,  what 
He  demands  of  you,  who  is  entitled  to  be  obeyed  without 
contradiction.  Knowing  then  that  for  this  present  time  he  has 
put  you  to  trial,  both  to  maintain  the  doctrine  of  his  gospel, 
and  to  relieve  the  afflicted  members  of  his  body  with  whom 
he  has  strictly  joined  you,  advise  how  to  shut  your  eyes  on 
all  obstacles  which  might  retard  you,  in  accomplishing  such 
a  duty  as  may  cause  all  the  children  of  God  to  rejoice  and 
glorify  his  holy  name. 

Sire,   having    most  humbly  commended    myself  to  your 
kind  favour,  I  will  supplicate  the  King  of  kings  to  make  you 
prosper,  to  increase  you  in  all  good,  to  govern  you  by  his 
Holy  Spirit,  and  to  preserve  you  in  his  holy  keeping. 
[Fr.  copy — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107.] 

1  The  Cardinals  of  Tournon  and  Lorraine. 


1558.] 


FAREL.  ^27 


D.— To  Farel.1 

Matrimonial  informations. 

Genet  A,  1st  July  1558. 

I  could  mention  some  young  ladies  of  honourable  pa- 
rents, and  modestly  brought  up  ;  but  as  they  are  rather  poor, 
I  did  not  venture  to  propose  them ;  indeed,  there  does  not  oc- 
cur to  me  any  young  woman  who  is  both  beautiful  and  virtu- 
ous and  at  the  same  time  possessed  of  a  good  dowry.  I 
mentioned  three  only  in  my  letter.  Time  will,  perhaps,  sug- 
gest others  to  me.  I  will  do  all  in  my  power  that  the  young 
man  may  be  suitably  provided  for.  There  are  two  young 
neighbours  of  ours  of  great  personal  beauty,  and  liberally 
educated,  the  one  a  daughter  of  Dommartin's,  the  other  of  St. 
Laurent,  who,  though  their  dowry  is  not  very  ample,  will, 
nevertheless,  have  something.  If  I  should  hear  of  anything 
else  I  will  let  you  know.  If  you  would  take  a  ride  as  far  as  this, 
you'  might  make  the  necessary  inquiries  more  conveniently 

yourself. 

Respecting  the  state  of  the  church  of  Paris,  Gaspar,  I 
trust,  will  give  you  information.  Another  person  will  also 
arrive  within  two  days,  who  has  been  living  with  the  Mar- 
chioness,3 from  whom  you  will  obtain  more  ample  details  re- 
specting our  affairs. 

Farewell,  best  and  most  worthy  brother.  May  the  Lord  al- 
ways stand  by  you,  direct,  and  bless  you.     Salute  kindly  all 

the  brethren.— Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  orig.  autogr.—Litoary  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107  a.] 

•  The  curious  information  here  given  by  Calvin,  has  evidently  no  connection  with 
the  marriage  of  Farel  himself,  which  two  months  afterwards,  excited  in  so  keen  a 
manner  the  complaints  and  the  regrets  of  the  Reformers. 

a  Gaspar  Cormel,  p.  367.     Note  1. 
8  The  minister  Provost,  Almoner  of  the  Marchioness  of  Rothelin. 


428  NICHOLAS  ZERKINDEN.  [1558. 


DI. — To  Nicholas  Zerkinden.1 

He  complains  affectionately  of   Zerkinden's  hostile  attitude  towards  him,   and  de- 
fends the  line  of  conduct  he  has  pursued  at  Geneva. 

Geneva,  4th  July  1558. 

Your  letter  was  at  length  delivered  to  me  by  a  lawyer,  a 
friend  of  our  neighbour  Montanus,  as  he  said  on  the  thirteenth 
day  after  it  had  been  entrusted  to  him.  I  see  what  it  contains ; 
with  what  intentions  you  wrote  it  I  cannot  make  out.  I  pre- 
fer, too,  to  suspend  my  judgment  rather  than  create  to  myself 
vain  trouble,  by  falsely  guessing  your  meaning.  If  your  in- 
tention was  to  prop  up  our  friendship,  which  seemed  to  you 
to  be  tottering,  I  should  deserve  that  you  called  me  unkind 
and  barbarous,  if  this  attention  on  your  part  were  not  gratify- 
ing to  me.  And,  indeed  I  prefer  to  put  this  interpretation  on 
it  rather  than  entertain  any  unfavourable  suspicions,  which 
it  would  give  me  pain  to  believe  ;  you  will  pardon  me,  how- 
ever, most  accomplished  sir,  if  you  do  not  convince  me  that 
those  are  friends  to  me,  who,  by  aiding  my  enemies,  study 
openly  to  injure  me.  I  will  not  mention  the  injury  that  I 
thought  I  had  privately  received  at  your  hands  in  the  cause 
of  my  brother.  If  from  hatred  of  my  name  he  was  unjustly 
oppressed,  I  do  not  ascribe  it  to  you.  You  had  a  right,  in- 
deed, to  remain  a  passive  spectator  of  what  you  wrote  to  me 

1  Though  sincerely  attached  to  Calvin,  whose  genius  he  admired,  and  whose  virtues 
he  honoured,  Zerkinden  sometimes  blamed  the  acts  of  the  Reformer,  as  bearing  the 
marks  of  too  severe  and  rigorous  a  spirit.  Thus  he  had  deplored  the  condemnation  of 
Servetus,  and  the  banishment  of  several  of  the  innovators,  who  had  disturbed  Geneva 
by  controversies  relating  to  the  dogmas  of  predestination  and  the  Trinity.  Orthodox 
in  his  sentiments,  he  blamed  the  employment  of  force  for  the  maintenance  or  propa- 
gation of  the  faith.  He  advised  moderation  in  those  cases,  where  energetic  means 
seemed  to  Calvin  imperiously  called  for  by  the  circumstances  :  "In  what  concerns  us 
you  have  seemed  to  me  (a  thing  I  have  never  dissembled)  too  harsh  and  rigid.  I  ap- 
pear to  you,  perhaps,  too  lenient  and  patient,  and  I  prefer  to  err  on  that  side,  rather 
than  on  the  contrary.  For  our  age  and  the  example  of  Christ  counsel  moderation  of 
mind.  To  strain  and  whet  the  laws,  which  it  is  sometimes  preferable  to  mitigato,  has 
often  proved  pernicious."  (13th  June  1558.)  These  frank  counsels  caused  no  al- 
teration in  the  friendship  which  did  not  cease  to  unite  Zerkinden  to  the  Reformer. 


1553.]  NICHOLAS.  ZERKINDEN.  429 

was  then  going  on.  But  when  it  was  more  than  sufficiently 
disagreeable  to  me,  that  my  brother  should  be  despoiled  of  cer- 
tain rights,  what  need  was  there  to  add  the  reproaches  with 
which  you  so  unkindly  assailed  me?  Ye  are  wont,  I  think,  to 
say  that  the  affair  was  properly  judged,  and  the  appeal  from 
the  judgment  was  wrong.  That  you  might  let  a  stupid  man 
feel  more  keenly  the  point  of  your  weapon,  in  both  expres- 
sions you  made  use  of  the  superlative  degree.  I  did  not,  for 
that  reason,  cease  to  love  you,  though  I  did  not  think  such 
conduct  the  duty  of  a  friend.  Thus,  when  a  short  time  after- 
wards, one  told  me  that  you  are  my  best  friend,  smiling,  I  re- 
plied: I  preferred  on  the  score  of  that  opinion  to  trust  to 
experience.  And  yet,  of  this  matter  I  should  never  have 
mentioned  a  syllable  if  your  letter  had  not  goaded  me.  ^ay, 
when  hitherto  I  have  always  forgiven  the  gravest  injuries, 
and  those  which  professed  enemies  have  offered  me,  why  should 
I  not  easily  pardon  a  friend,  and  a  man  of  tried  virtue,  if  he 
had  slightly  failed  in  his  duty  towards  me  ?  Add  that  I  can 
with  reason  boast,  however  much  ungodly  men  call  me  inex- 
orable, that  I  have  never  become  the  enemy  of  one  human 
being  on  the  grounds  of  personal  injuries.  I  confess  that  I 
am  irritable,  and  though  this  vice  displeases  me,  I  have  not 
succeeded  in  curing  myself  of  it  as  much  as  I  could  wish.  But, 
though  many  persons  have  unjustly  attacked  me  an  innocent, 
and,  what  is  more,  well  deserving  man,  have  perfidiously  plot- 
ted all  kinds  of  mischief  against  me,  and  most  cruelly  ha- 
rassed me,  I  can  defy  any  one  to  point  out  a  single  person 
to  whom  I  have  studied  to  return  the  like,  even  though  the 
means  and  the  opportunity  were  in  my  power. 

I  shall  not  quote  the  bitter  words  with  which  you  have 
lately  censured  me.  While  you  are  indulgent  to  yourself,  you 
represent  me  as  by  far  too  rigid;  and  yet  if  you  fancy  that  the 
easy  good  nature  which  you  aim  at  is  commended  by  all,  you 
are  greatly  mistaken.  For  there  are  grave  and  moderate  men, 
who  complain  that  you  are  weak  and  remiss,  and  are  indignant 
that  your  other  remarkable  virtues  should  be  tarnished  by 
this  blot.  You  grant,  too,  that  since  the  natural  temper  of  all 
is  not  alike,  it  is  just  that  we  should  promote  friendship  by 


430  NICHOLAS   ZERKINDEN.  [1558. 

mutual  forbearance.  But  here  you  furnish  me  with  a  just 
reason  for  expostulating  with  you,  for  whatever  persons  accuse 
my  severity  are  sure  without  exception  to  gain  their  cause 
with  you  as  if  they  were  unblamable;  and  even  though  you 
perceive  that  the  fault  is  on  their  side,  yet  am  I  without  any 
distinction  deprived  of  the  advantages  of  your  good  word. 
You  mention  only  three  individuals,  as  if  indeed  there  were 
not  in  your  territory  numberless  enraged  dogs,  who  cease  not 
by  all  the  ways  in  their  power  to  snap  at  me.  I  am  aware 
that  sometimes  you  have  refuted  their  calumnies,  but  you  have 
always  contrived  to  leave  along  with  your  refutation  the  sting 
of  some  unfavourable  remark  behind.  Lo,  for  example,  George 
presents  himself  before  you.1  The  accusation  of  an  unknown 
man  lays  a  new  crime  to  my  charge.  Inquire  a  little  more  care- 
fully. You  will  find  with  what  equity  your  credulity  takes  the 
alarm.  If  you  boast  that  you  are  lenient  and  good  natured, 
in  rashly  condemning  my  zeal,  which  I  call  God  to  witness 
has  ever  been  just  and  pious,  seek  elsewhere  for  some  one 
whom  you  may  persuade.  That  madman,  when  he  had  annoyed 
me  a  whole  year,  did  not  offend  me  so  deeply  by  his  impious 
ravings  from  which  I  endeavoured  to  recall  him,  as  by  his 
perfidy,  which  though  I  have  always  abhorred  I  did  not  for 
all  that  abstain  from  admitting  him  to  private  conferences. 
Many  hours,  and  on  more  than  one  occasion,  indeed  I  have 
spent  in  trying  to  appease  him;  and  not  only  by  my  conversa- 
tion, but  by  my  writings  I  studied  to  instruct  him.  Because  he 
furtively  distilled  his  venom  among  his  countrymen,  he  be- 
came at  length  intolerable  to  the  pastor  and  the  company  of 
elders.  Then  also  I  interposed,  and  bore  to  such  an  extent  his 
frowardness,  that  I  even  pardoned  his  wicked  slander  of  which 
he  was  openly  convicted  in  presence  of  the  whole  Italian  con- 
gregation. I  know  that  my  indulgence  was  displeasing  to  my 
colleagues  and  to  almost  all  the  Italians.  But  though  I  had 
exhorted  him  to  remain  quiet  without  any  inquietude,  and 
even  solemnly  pledged  my  word  that  I  should  make  it  my 
business  that  his  tranquillity  should  not  be  disturbed,  never- 

1  The  physician  George  Blandrata,  one  of  the  antitrinitarians  of  the  Church  of 
Geneva. 


1558.]  NICHOLAS  ZERKINDEN.  431 

theless,  his  evil  conscience  did  not  cease  to  torment  him  until 
he  rushed  headlong  to  his  own  ruin.  One  of  the  Syndics,  a 
jurisconsult,  whom  you  have  perhaps  seen  at  Berne,  had  come 
to  a  lecture  and  had  brought,  as  he  was  wont,  his  beadle  along 
with  him.  I  know  not  what  suspicion  seized  the  man,  and  in- 
duced him  immediately  to  take  to  flight.  Before  God,  I  pro- 
test there  was  no  reason  for  his  distrust,  unless  that  inward 
tormentor  deprived  of  all  reason  a  man  conscious  of  his  own 
misdeeds.  With  regard  to  Gribaldi,  the  following  is  an  exact 
account:  In  the  council  house  he  reproached  me  with  my 
stateliness,  saying  that  he  had  been  politely  received  by 
emperors  and  kings,  (for  such  was  the  futility  of  the  vain- 
glorious man,)  whereas  to  his  astonishment  he  had  been  dis- 
dainfully refused  an  interview  with  me.  To  this  remark  I 
briefly  replied,  that  I,  who  am  in  the  habit  of  listening  to  the 
meanest  and  most  despised  of  the  common  people,  had  refused 
this  mark  of  politeness  to  a  jurisconsult  whom  I  had  discovered 
to  be  treacherously  hatching  plots.  For  had  he  frankly  avowed 
himself  a  follower  of  Servetus,  I  should  have  lent  him  my  at- 
tention, but  as  his  dissimulation  had  been  already  detected,  I 
refused  to  have  any  thing  to  do  with  him.  Afterwards  I  con- 
sented to  confront  the  perverseness  and  impudence  of  the  man 
in  the  presence  of  witnesses.  Because  at  our  first  meeting  I 
refused  to  hold  out  my  hand  to  him,  but  remarked  that  in  so 
grave  a  matter  it  was  preposterous  to  begin  with  unmeaning 
ceremonies,  (calmly  excusing  myself  for  not  complying  with 
such  usages,)  murmuring  with  indignation,  and  gnashing  his 
teeth,  he  hurried  off.  All  these  vile  wretches  gain  this  by 
their  treacherous  accusations,  not  only  that  I  am  considered  a 
blood-thirsty  man,  but  that  you  undertake  without  making 
any  distinction  their  defence,  whatever  be  the  nature  of  their 
cause.  It  is  your  wish  to  spare  them.  How  greatly  I  fear 
that  God  will  not  spare  you  in  whose  eyes  the  safety  of  his 
church  is  precious,  which  you  know  very  well  is  impaired  by 
these  virulent  animals!  Should  any  thief  pillage  your  house, 
you  would  be  unwilling  most  likely  to  send  him  about  his 
business  with  impunity.  The  glory  of  God  is  trampled  under 
foot,  his  truth  is  corrupted,  the  unity  of  the  faith  is  broken, 


432  NICHOLAS    ZERKIXDEX.  [1558. 

the  concord  of  the  church  is  rent  asunder,  peace  is  troubled. 
And  in  such  a  state  of  things  shall  you  see  me  folding  my 
hands  to  sleep?  No;  I  have  learned  to  listen  to  a  Master  who 
commands  a  very  different  conduct.1 

Why  you  dissent  from  me  respecting  the  eternal  predesti- 
nation of  God,2  (if  I  may  frankly  avow  the  truth,)  I  see  no  other 
reason,  except  that  postponing  the  authority  of  Scripture  you 
acquiesce  too  fondly  in  your  own  judgment.  If  I  drew  some 
subtle  device  from  the  intricate  and  obscure  passages  of  Scrip- 
ture, it  would  be  an  instance  of  excessive  rigour  on  my  part 
to  seek  to  compel  the  assent  of  men  to  it;  but  when  the 
authority  of  Scripture  is  unassailable,  it  is  not  lawful  to  swerve 
from  it,  whatever  conceits  those  whom  the  Apostle  styles 
sounding  brass  may  devise ;  and  certainly  a  respect  for  hea- 
venly doctrine  should  have  greater  influence  over  us,  than  to 
leave  us  each  to  be  directed  by  his  own  private  opinions;  and 
yet  to  our  shame  this  I  see  is  but  too  generally  the  practice 
in  our  days.  The  others  (with  whom  I  would  by  no  means 
compare  you)  have  almost  all,  from  aversion  to  one  individual, 
determined  petulantly  to  impugn  this  article  of  doctrine. 
Formerly  it  was  controverted  by  no  one.  But  what  is  more, 
certain  persons  who  now  load  me  with  odium,  eagerly  make  a 
parade  of  some  harsh  forms  of  expression  which  I  attempted 
to  soften  down.  And  among  these  persons,  I  may  name  Ze- 
bedee.  Even  among  you  there  is  an  unreasonable  mention 
made  of  predestination  in  the  administration  of  baptism  ;  to 
such  a  pitch  at  the  very  name  of  Calvin  has  the  rage  of  certain 
persons  broke  out,  who  think  it  more  plausible  to  crush  a 
man  by  denominating  him  a  heretic,  than  as  formerly,  when 
they  stigmatized  him  as  a  thief,  a  church-robber,  an  adulterer, 
and  a  gambler.     Let  this  pretext  fail,  they  will  forthwith  dis- 

1  We  read  in  Zerkinden's  answer  to  Calvin,  the  following  words  respecting  Gribaldi  : 
"  I  made  it  my  object  to  preserve  the  man,  not  his  cause."  (Library  of  Geneva,  vol. 
114.) 

■  "  The  other  is  that  dogma  respecting  predestination,  which  I,  from  want  of  skill,  can 
neither  confute  by  arguments,  nor  would,  if  I  could,  so  great  a  horror  have  I  of  as- 
sailing men  otherwise  well  deserving  of  the  Church  of  Christ;  nevertheless,  I  am  un- 
willing to  feign  that  I  am  pleased  with  what  really  displeases  me."  Zerkinden 
Culvino.     Ibidem. 


1558.]  NICHOLAS   ZERKIXDEN.  433 

cover  another,  nay,  they  will  every  day  invent  new  ones. 
Such  as  the  one  respecting  the  fears  of  Jesus  Christ;  for  be- 
cause I  say  that  he  not  only  dreaded  death,  but  the  wrath  of 
God,  inasmuch  as  he  had  to  stand  arraigned  at  the  terrible  tri- 
bunal of  God,  you  know  that  thence  a  strife  was  stirred  up.  I 
shewed  in  the  presence  of  the  council  that  the  poor  drivelling 
creature  with  whom  I  had  to  contend  had,  by  undermining 
this  doctrine,  uprooted  the  first  elements  of  piety.  My  defence 
was  held  for  nothing.  Now  as  often  as  any  learned  and 
virtuous  man  is  called  to  the  ministry  of  the  church,  on  pass- 
ing his  examination,  if  he  is  found  to  entertain  the  same 
opinions  as  I,  he  is  sure  to  be  rejected.  When  four  months 
ago  a  most  excellent  brother,  incensed  at  so  worthless  a  con- 
duct, made  some  opposition,  he  was  for  that  reason  with  me- 
naces dragged  to  Berne  ;  and  though  he  was  acquitted  by  the 
sentence  of  the  consistory,  nevertheless,  by  the  intrigues  of 
those  who,  having  thrown  aside  the  cowl,  keep  up  in  their 
hearts,  a  hundred  monkish  feelings,  it  came  to  pass  that  the 
prefect,  who  has  for  some  time  borne  him  a  grudge,  again 
brought  an  accusation  against  him.  There  is  an  excellent 
subject  for  your  clemency  furnished  by  God  himself,  in  which 
you  may  display  your  horror  of  cruelty,  if  you  succour  an  in- 
nocent man.  Indeed  I  am  ashamed  that  I  feel  so  anxious  lest 
he  should  be  oppressed  in  so  good  a  cause.  Even  to  recom- 
mend him,  goes  in  a  certain  manner  against  my  inclination, 
because  he  does  not  deserve  to  be  condemned  to  reside  any 
longer  among  such  a  sordid  scum.  For  even  those  who  are 
reckoned  the  best  among  the  ministers  whose  colleague  he  has 
hitherto  been,  by  their  sluggishness  and  servile  dissimulation, 
betray  the  spirit  of  hirelings.  I  shall  therefore  add  not  a 
word  more  unless  to  entreat  jou,  according  to  your  piety, 
equity,  and  prudence,  to  guide  him  by  your  counsel,  assist 
him  with  your  means,  and  console  him  by  your  favour  as  far 
as  you  shall  deem  it  expedient.  If  any  in  their  praises  of  me 
surpass  due  bounds,  I  shall  willingly  permit  you  to  be  my 
censor,  provided  you  too  shew  a  certain  moderation  in  the 
castigation  of  my  faults.  But  weigh  in  your  own  mind 
whether  it  be  very  good  natured  of  you  to  lash  me  with  cut- 
55 


43-i  NICHOLAS    ZERKINDEN.  [1558, 

ting  sarcasms  instead  of  grazing  me  with  a  little  playful 
banter,  because  compelled  by  the  frowardness  of  numbers  I 
confute  with  some  vehemence  the  enemies  of  the  truth;  nor 
should  you  be  surprised  that  it  is  difficult  for  a  heart  filled 
with  bitterness  to  exhale  sweets,  as  if  it  altogether  lacked  gall. 
Though  after  all  in  the  harshness  of  my  language,  which  I  de- 
clare has  been  wrung  from  me  against  my  will,  I  am  not  so 
very  morose  as  to  feel  offended,  because  people  do  not  applaud 
me.  I  fancy  too  I  may  claim  some  indulgence  if,  forced  to  as- 
sert the  doctrine  of  piety,  I  inveigh  against  froward  men  whom 
not  even  prophets  and  apostles  as  I  see  have  spared.  What 
excuse  shall  I  make  for  not  having  taken  a  larger  part  in 
public  affairs?  That  hitherto  I  have  not  done  much  good  by 
that.  But  those  who  are  acquainted  with  the  state  of  my 
health,  and  one  half  of  my  labours,  know  at  the  same  time 
that  I  have  not  much  remaining  leisure.  As  far,  however,  as 
the  nature  of  my  function  permits,  and  necessity  requires,  I 
shall  have  no  scruple  to  give  right  and  salutary  counsel.  Nor 
do  I  repent  that  by  my  exertions  it  has  hitherto  come  to  pass 
that  serious  and  pernicious  disturbances  have  not  broken  out. 
For  that  the  slightest  strife  has  ever  been  engendered  through 
me,  no  one  can  say  with  a  shadow  of  truth.  But  if  you  are 
more  inclined  to  lend  an  ear  to  secret  accusers,  I  have  not  a 
word  to  say.1 

Farewell,  most  accomplished  sir,  and  very  honoured  and 
well  beloved  brother.  May  the  Lord  always  stand  by  you, 
govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  support  you  by  his  power,  and  bless 
you  along  with  your  wife  and  family. 

Let  this  be  a  token  of  my  friendly  feeling  that,  confidently 
relying  on  your  integrity,  I  do  not  hesitate  to  unburden  my- 
self of  whatever  weighs  on  my  mind,  and  confide  it  to  your 
bosom. 

[Lat.  orig. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 

•The  9th  of  July  following,  Zerkinden  addressed  to  Calvin  a  letter  containing  ex- 
planations and  fraternal  excuses,  terminating  with  these  words  :  "  Be  mindful,  venera- 
ble brother,  of  the  humility  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  always  look  back  to  the 
ancient  manner  of  life  which  we  followed  from  the  beginning  of  the  knowledge  of 
Christ,  and  spare  an  importunate,  perhaps,  but  friendly  monitor." 


1558.1  THE   COUNT   OF   WURTEMBERG.  435 


PH.— To  the  Count  of  Wurtemberg.1 

He  pleads  with  this  prince,  the  cause  of  the   ministers  persecuted  as  heretics  in  his 

states. 

Geneva,  12th  July  1558. 

Most  illustrious  Prince -Because  the  due  discharge  of 
my  functions  compels  me  to  entreat  your  indulgence  for  the  un- 
happy brother  who  is  now  detained  in  prison  in  your  domin- 
ions  though  I  make  no  long  apology,   your  highness  will 
allow  me  to  take  upon  me  that  task.     If  I  should  venture  to 
ask  any  thing  beyond  what,  trusting  to  your  clemency  and 
equity,  I  am  persuaded  it  is  easy  to  obtain,  I  might  be  taxed 
with  temerity.     But  I  conceive  I  do  not  overstep  the  bounds 
of  modesty,  if  I  only  beg  of  your  highness,  not  to  hesitate  to 
bestow  two  hours  on  the  examination  of  so  important  a  ques- 
tion     I  am  well  aware  that  princes,  absorbed  by  continual 
and  very  serious  concerns,  have  not  so  much  leisure  at  their 
disposal  as  to  be  disturbed  on  every  trivial  occasion.     Nor, 
indeed,  if  the  interests  of  but  a  single  person  were  at  stake, 
should  I  dare  to  exhort  your  highness  to  put  yourself  to  this 
trouble.     But  since  already,  during  the  space  of  three  years, 
your  churches  have  been  troubled  by  dissensions,  their  pas- 
tors, one  after  another,  displaced,  and  there   appears   no  end 
to  these  evils,  some  indulgence  is  due  to  my  zeal  if  desirous 
of  a  remedy,  I  appeal  to  your  good  faith.     Your  highness,  in- 
deed, has  given  in  presence  of  the  world  such  proofs  of  rare 
piety  and  singular  constancy,  that  I  am  not  permitted   to 
doubt,  that  while  you  consult  peace  you  also  earnestly  desire 
order  properly  and  piously  established.     Nay,  unless  I  were 
clearly  convinced  that  the  glory  of  God,  the  reign  of  Christ, 
and  the  public  welfare  of   the    church  were  things    dearer 

.  Geort,e  of  Wurtemberg,  misled  by  the  counsels  of  some  intolerant  theologians  was 
thpnoint  ofrubli.bin.  an  edict,  by  which  he  interdicted  in  the  county  of  Mont- 
biard  Ceding  of Dthe  Zuinglian    doctrine,  and  condemned  to  exile  tern, 
isters  who  professed  it.     This  example  was  followed  by  Christopher,  Duke  of  Wurt- 
emberg, in  his  states.     Buchat,  torn.  vi.  p.  242. 


436  THE    COUNT    OF    WURTEMBURG.  [1558. 

to  you  than  all  worldly  advantages,  I  should  not  think  of  ma- 
king application  to  you,  nor  even  of  taking  one  step  in  this 
matter.  But  I  am  under  great  apprehensions,  and  not  with- 
out reason,  that  Peter  Toussain  has  laid  hold  of  deceitful  pre- 
texts for  oppressing  his  brethren,  and  concealing  from  your 
highness  his  own  malignant  purposes.  I  do  not  wish,  how- 
ever, that  he  should  be  condemned  without  a  hearing,  nor  till 
this  cause  being  duly  examined,  it  may  be  permitted  to  pro- 
nounce an  opinion  respecting  the  probity  of  each  one.  I  at 
one  time  loved  the  man,  and  performed  for  him  those  little 
offices  of  kindness  which  he  could  desire  of  a  brother,  and 
though  I  do  not  willingly  reproach  him  with  ingratitude,  yet 
not  to  mention  other  things,  when  on  more  than  one  occasion 
he  made  a  request  to  have  ministers  from  here,  and  knew  that 
with  the  best  intentions  such  ones  were  sent  by  us,  as  after 
examination  had  given  proofs  of  their  piety,  he  shewed  a  want 
of  good  feeling  ;  for  some  bickerings  arising  among  them  he 
never  gave  me  a  hint  on  the  subject,  in  order  that  I  might  have 
interposed  to  appease  those  who  would  perhaps  have  listened 
to  my  advice.  I  pronounce  no  judgment  respecting  matters 
unknown,  but  however  things  stand,  the  most  suitable  remedy 
for  calming  disturbances,  was  to  try  what  influence  my  ex- 
hortation might  have  on  those  who  had  been  received  by  my 
recommendations.  Even  if  the  evil  had  been  irremediable, 
it  should  not  have  been  kept  a  secret  from  me,  if  for  no  other 
reason,  at  least  for  the  sake  of  making  an  apology  for  it;  nor 
do  I  see  what  prevented  that,  unless  wishing  the  heretics  to 
be  spared,  as  in  a  letter  he  avowed  to  me,  he  desired  volunta- 
rily to  estrange  himself  from  me.  He  can  never  feign  any 
cause  why  I  should  be  suspected.  Still  I  do  the  man  no  in- 
jury, if  I  desire  a  more  active  enquiry  to  be  set  on  foot  about 
the  perverse  arts,  by  which  he  has  attempted  to  circumvent 
all  who  he  thought  did  not  belong  to  his  faction.  If  your 
highness  recognizes  that  this  demand  is  quite  equitable,  that 
the  sources  of  all  the  evils  may  be  disclosed,  you  see  that  I  no 
longer  implore  your  indulgence  for  a  single  individual;  never- 
theless in  suppliantly  appealing  to  your  sense  of  justice, 
that  an  audience  be  granted  to  our  captive  brother,  and  by 


1558.]  monsieur  d'andelot.  437 

the  means  of  a  faithful  interpreter  that  permission  be  afforded 
him  to  expose  freely,  not  only  the  things  necessary  for  the 
settlement  of  this  question,  but  also  for  delivering  the  churches 
of  your  dominions  from  deadly  evils,  I  conceive  that  I  am 
consulting  the  interests  of  your  highness'  good  name.  If  the 
glory  of  Christ,  and  the  public  safety  aud  tranquillity  be  inti- 
mately connected  with  these  things,  I  am  confident  that  my 
entreaties  will  be  listened  to,  and  that  a  legitimate  investiga- 
tion will  shut  the  door  on  all  private  heart-burnings,  and  on 
the  secret  lawless  caprice  and  violent  actions  of  certain  indi- 
viduals. Thus  I  will  pray  God,  most  illustrious  prince,  to  de- 
fend your  highness  by  his  protection,  to  support  you  by  his 
power,  and  govern  you  to  the  end,  by  the  Spirit  of  prudence 
and  invincible  fortitude. 

Your  highness'  most  devoted, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  copy— Library  of  St.  Gall.     Tom.  viii.  p.  194.1 


Dili.— To  Monsieur  D'Andelot.1 

New  exhortations,  calculated  to  support  and  strengthen  him  during  his  captivity. 

12th  July  1558. 

Monseigneur, — Since  I  received  your  letters,  I  have  also 
learned  sad  news  of  what  they  are  plotting  against  you,  a 

1  See  note  p.  418. ' 

Almost  immediately  after  his  arrival  at  the  castle  of  Melun,  D'Andelot  had  to  con- 
tend with  the  ardent  entreaties  of  his  wife,  Claude  de  Rieux,  and  of  his  brother,  the 
Cardinal  Adet  de  Chatillon,  who  urged  him  to  soften  by  an  act  of  submission  the  an- 
ger of  the  king.  He  supported,  without  yielding,  all  these  assaults  :— "  I  have  news," 
wrote  he  to  the  church  of  Paris,  "  it  is,  to-morrow  is  to  arrive  the  doctor  they  wish  to 
send  to  me.     I  pray  God  that  he  will  put  in  my  mouth  wherewith  to  answer  always 

for  the  increase  of  his  glory Christ  will  be  magnified  in  my  body,  either  by  life 

or  death,  for  to  me  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to  die  is  gain,  by  means  of  whose  grace  I 
hope  to  make  known  to  those  who  shall  ask  an  account  of  my  faith,  that  I  fear  God 
and  honour  my  king,  as  I  have  been  commanded.  ...  As  to  the  things  of  the  soul, 
and  which  concern  the  peace  of  my  conscience,  I  shall  give  an  account  of  them  as 
well  as  I  can  to  Him  who  alone  can  dispose  of  them.  (1st  July,  1558.  Library  of  Ge- 
neva.)    The  same  sentiments  break  out  in  a  letter  of  D'Andelot's  to  the  king  :— "  If 


438  monsieur  d'andelot.  [1558. 

thing  I  had  already  with  fear  expected  for  a  long  time.  I 
was  even  surprised  how  your  enemies  had  delayed  so  long  in 
preparing  for  you  some  subject  of  alarm,  to  tempt  anew  the 
constancy  of  your  faith,  or  rather  to  destroy  it.  But,  however 
that  may  be,  we  have  wherewithal  to  console  ourselves  in 
glorifying  God,  in  that  he  continues  to  strengthen  your  hands. 
And  indeed,  since  he  has  set  you  up  as  an  example  to  so  many 
people,  I  confidently  trust  that  he  will  not  suffer  you  ever 
to  swerve  from  the  right  path,  whatever  may  happen  ;  as  I  am 
convinced,  also,  that  you  would  never  have  persevered  till 
the  present  time,  had  he  not  well  prepared  you,  and  given 
you  grace  carefully  to  premeditate  on  the  temptations  which 
you  have  overcome.  True  it  is,  I  could  have  wished  very  much 
thaf  you  had  escaped  before  the  wicked  design  which  is  pre- 
paring were  put  in  execution  on  you,  and  it  is  possible  that 
the  God  of  compassion,  after  having  made  use  of  you  a  sec- 
ond time  to  confess  his  truth  and  bear  faithful  witness  to  it, 
will  afford  you  leisure  and  a  way  of  escape,  when  things  shall 
have  come  to  an  extremity.  It  is  also  my  conviction,  since 
he  disposes  of  every  thing  by  his  admirable  counsel,  (as  you 
will  do  well  to  consider,)  that  he  has  detained  you  for  some 
purpose  till  you  had  accomplished  the  task  to  which  he  had 
called  you,  and  discharged  your  duty,  in  order  that,  having 
answered  for  your  faith,  if  you  now  consult  your  safety  which 
you  have  a  right  to  do,  men  may  not  impute  your  conduct  to 
inconstancy  and  distrust.  For  the  rest,  if  it  be  the  will  of  our 
merciful  Father  that  you  be  prevented  from  realizing  this 
hope,  knowing  that  he  wants  to  prove  your, long  suffering, 
believe  that  the  power  of  his   Holy  Spirit  will  not  fail  you 

I  have  done  anything  which  displeases  you,  Sire,  I  entreat  you,  with  all  humhleness, 
to  pardon  me,  and  to  believe  that,  the  case  of  the  obedience  which  I  owe  to  God  and 
my  conscience  excepted,  you  shall  never  command  me  to  do  anything  wherein  I  shall 
not  promptly  and  faithfully  expose  my  wealth,  my  body,  and  my  life.  And  what  I 
ask  of  you,  Sire,  is  not,  thank  God,  from  fear  of  death,  and  still  less  from  a  desire  of 
recovering  my  liberty,  for  I  hold  nothing  so  dear  that  I  would  not  willingly  abandon 
it  for  the  salvation  of  my  soul  and  the  glory  of  my  God  :  but  nevertheless,  the  per- 
plexity in  which  I  am,  in  wishing  to  satisfy  you,  and  perform  the  service  which  I  owe 
you,  and  not  to  be  able  to  do  that  with  a  safe  conscience,  oppresses  my  heart  so  that 
to  ease  my  mind  I  have  been  forced  to  address  to  you  this  humble  petition."  July 
1558. 


1558.]  monsieur  d'andklot.  439 

till  you  have  surmounted  every  difficulty.  For  we  must  be 
conformed  to  the  image  of  Jesus  Christ,  not  only  in  death, 
but  also  in  burial,  in  order  to  enjoy  tranquillity,  even  should 
we  languish  and  remain  for  a  long  season  as  it  were  under 
ground.  Meanwhile,  doubt  not  but  God,  whose  soldier  you 
are,  will  give  an  issue  to  your  affliction,  and  will  mitigate  it 
till  the  fitting  time  come  round  for  your  deliverance.  It  is 
enough  that  he  approve  of  your  cause,  and  you  may  protest 
before  him  and  before  the  world,  that  in  rendering  to  the 
sovereign  King  of  the  heavens  the  honour  which  is  his  due, 
you  have  not  offended  your  earthly  king ;  as  in  that  you  have 
the  example  of  the  companions  of  Daniel,  who,  having  re- 
fused obedience  to  an  order  to  adore  the  idol,  nevertheless, 
frankly  declare  that  they  had  in  no  one  point  been  wanting 
in  their  duty  to  the  king.  And  the  Holy  Spirit  recognizes 
the  reasonableness  of  this  answer,  for  it  is  not  just  that  the 
obedience  which  we  pay  to  a  creature  should  bring  prejudice 
to  the  rights  of  Him  under  whom  all  grandeur  should  be 
brought  down,  in  order  to  do  him  homage.  Wherefore,  if 
men  murmur  against  you.  it  is  quite  enough  that  you  be  ab- 
solved from  on  high.  On  the  other  hand  you  ought  to  recollect 
how  sharply  God  reproves  the  people  of  Israel  by  the  mouth 
of  his  prophet  Hosea,  because  they  obeyed  the  edict  of  the 
king.  It  was  indeed  a  virtue  in  appearance,  to  do  what  was 
commanded  by  royal  authority  ;  but  because  the  point  at 
issue  was  to  corrupt  the  service  of  God  by  idolatry,  not  with- 
out cause  their  compliance  was  reputed  an  enormous  crime, 
inasmuch  as  it  was  giving  a  preference  to  man  over  God. 
Thus,  Monseigneur,  whatever  ensue,  as  you  have  already 
begun,  so  continue,  and  stop  your  ears  against  those  who  shall 
endeavour  to  turn  you  aside  from  the  simplicity  of  Jesus 
Christ,  persons  whom  St.  Paul  classes  with  seducers,  to  in- 
spire us  with  horror  for  their  deceits  and  allurements.  You 
know,  that  though  the  confession  of  our  faith  may  seem  to 
be  useless  in  the  eyes  of  men,  it  is  not  the  less  for  that  well 
pleasing  and  precious  in  those  of  God.  It  remains  for  you 
to  offer  to  him  this  complete  sacrifice,  since  it  has  pleased  him 
to  consecrate  you  to  his  service. 


440  THE    MARQUIS    DE   VICO.  [1558. 

"Whereupon,  Monseigneur,  having  humbly  commended  me 
to  your  kind  favour,  I  will  pray,  the  Father  of  mercies  .  .  . 
[Fr.  copy — Library  of  Geneva.     Yol.  107.] 


DIY. — To  the  Marquis  de  Vico.1 

Wishes  for  the  success   of  this  nobleman's  journey  to   Italy — news  of  Geneva  and 
France—  divers  salutations. 

19^  July  1558. 

Seigneur, — I  believe  that  in  your  prudence  you  are  well 
convinced  that  had  I  entertained  any  hopes  of  my  letters  soon 
reaching  you  I  should  not  have  grudged  my  pains  in  writing 
them.  But  because  till  we  should  be  informed  of  your  arrival 
at  Venice,  we  were  in  doubt  whether  you  would  finish  your 
journey,  that  circumstance  stayed  my  hand.  Not  that  I 
altogether  excuse  my  indolence,  but  what  with  waiting  for 
news  from  you  it  seemed  to  me  that  my  term  was  not  yet 
come  round.     Since  then  I  have  written  to  you  but  once,  my 

1  As  title,  in  the  hand  writing  of  Jonvillers  :  To  Monseigneur  the  Marquis  of  Vico 
in  Italy. 

Galeas  Caraccioli,  Marquis  de  Vico,  one  of  the  most  illustrious  members  of  the 
nobility  of  Naples,  converted  to  the  doctrines  of  the  Reformation  by  the  preaching 
of  Peter  Martyr,  retired,  in  1551,  to  Geneva,  in  order  to  profess  there  in  liberty  the 
faith  which  he  had  embraced.  Calvin  commended  him  in  the  highest  terms  in  his 
preface  to  the  Commentary  on  the  First  Epistle  of  St.  Paul  to  the  Corinthians,  dedi- 
cated at  first  to  M.  de  Falais  : — "A  man  of  an  ancient  house  and  noble  parentage, 
flourishing  in  honours  and  wealth,  having  a  wife  noble  and  chaste,  a  fine  family  of 
children,  peace  and  concord  in  his  house;  in  a  word,  happy  in  everything  that  con- 
cerns the  condition  of  this  life,  to  pass  under  the  banner  of  Christ,  has  voluntarily 
abandoned  the  place  of  his  birth,  has  not  hesitated  one  moment  to  forsake  his  lordly 
state,  a  fertile  and  pleasant  country,  a  grand  and  rich  patrimony,  has  quitted  father, 
wife,  relations,  and  friends,  and  after  having  abandoned  all  the  allurements  of  the 
world,  contenting  himself  with  our  humble  condition,  lives  frugally  and  in  the  man- 
ner of  the  common  people,  neither  more  nor  less  than  one  of  ourselves."  After  this 
voluntary  expatriation,  the  Marquis  de  Vico  returned  several  times  to  Italy,  and  not 
being  able  to  obtain  from  his  wife,  the  daughter  of  the  Duke  of  Nocera,  her  consent 
to  follow  him  to  Geneva,  he  contracted,  in  1556,  a  second  union  which  was  approved 
of  by  the  Reformed  divines.  He  died  in  1586,  surrounded,  in  the  country  of  his 
adoption,  by  public  esteem  and  consideration.  See  de  Thou,  1.  xxxi ;  Giannone,  Storia 
di  Napoli,  1.  xxxii.  c.  5;  and  especially  the  curious  work  of  the  minister  Balbani, 
Storia  della  vita  de  Galeazzo  Caraccioli.     Geneva,  1587. 


1558.]  THE   MARQUIS   DE   VICO.  441 

zeal  being  damped  by  my  uncertainty  respecting  your  state, 
for  otherwise  I  had  much  to  communicate.     Reflecting,  how- 
ever, how  long  my  letters  would  be  on  the  road,  I  know  not 
how  it  has  happened  that  I  have  been  so  lazy  in  acquitting 
myself  of  my  duty,  preferring  to   reserve   for   your  arrival 
what  might  miscarry  by  the  way.     But  it  is  better  to  avow 
my  fault  in  one  word  than  to  waste  paper,  together  with  the 
writer's  pains,  in  excuses,  that  are  after  all  not  very  solid.     I 
hope  the  present  may  find  you  at  Venice,  counting  that  be- 
fore the  end  of  June  your  lady  must  have  arrived  at  Le'sena,1 
and  would  not  have  felt  much  inclined  to  make  a  long  stay 
there  for  the  first  time.     And  in  fact,  if  she  is  well  disposed, 
I  had  rather  she  returned  speedily,  to  make  all  her  prepara- 
tions in  order  to  avoid  suspicions,  which  might  throw  obsta- 
cles in  the  way  of  her  liberty.2      It   is,  indeed  one  of  my 
most  anxious  desires  for  the  moment,  to  know  how  she  stands 
affected.     Nevertheless,  I  am  in  hopes,  though  she  should  be 
unwilling  to  come  over  to  us,  that  this  journey  will  yet  have 
been  useful  to  pave  the  way  for  that  purpose.     May  God  of 
his  infinite  goodness  be  pleased  so  to  direct  everything,  that 
we  may  have  reason  to  bless  his  name.     I  am  persuaded  that 
on  your  part  you  will  take  what  it  shall  please  him  to  send 
with  a  resigned  mind,  knowing  that  there  is  nothing  better 
than  to  conform  to  his  will  ;  for  you  have  been  already  long 
accustomed  to  prefer  that  will  to  your  own  affections,  however 
virtuous  they  may  be. 

I  have  been  delivered  by  your  last  letters  from  great  per- 
plexity, on  learning  that  the  journey  you  had  undertaken  to 
Yico3  was  broken  off,  for  you  had  previously  put  us  all  in 
great  trouble  and  anxiety.     And,  in  fact,  had  I  been  by  you 

•  A  small  town  situated  on  the  island  of  that  name  on  the  coast  of  Dalmatia.  It 
was  there  that  the  rendezvous  had  been  fixed  between   the  Marquis  de  Vico  and  his 

»  The  end  of  this  last  journey,  undertaken  in  the  month  of  March  1558,  by  the 
Marquis  de  Vico,  was  to  decide  his  wife  to  follow  him  to  Geneva.  But  she  refused, 
from  attachment  to  the  Catholic  faith,  to  share  the  exile  of  her  husband  in  a  city  of 
the  Reformation,  and  the  Marquis  de  Vico  resumed  his  journey  to  Switzerland  alone 
after  having  bidden  a  last  adieu  to  his  family. 

8  In  the  kingdom  of  Naples. 

56 


442  THE    MARQUIS    DE    YICO.  [1553. 

I  should  not  have  hesitated  to  break  in  pieces  your  effects,  to 
compel  you  to  stay  if  it  had  been  in  my  power.  But  God 
has  shewn  himself  friendly  to  you  in  diverting  you  from  such 
a  design. 

As  to  the  political  state  of  the  city,  nothing  has  taken  place, 
since  your  departure,  worth  being  communicated  to  you,  ex- 
cept that  our  neighbours,  having  found  a  fresh  opportunity 
for  vexing  us,  set  about  the  task,  according  to  their  custom, 
with  their  whole  might.1  In  the  mean  time  we  cannot  obtain 
justice  in  consequence  of  the  subterfuges  which  they  devise, 
though  I  trust  that,  between  this  and  your  arrival,  God  will 
have  provided  some  good  remedy. 

To  your  countrymen,  your  absence  has  been  the  cause  of  much 
prejudice,  because  you  would  have  been  useful  in  preventing 
many  troubles  that  have  arisen  one  after  another,  and  which 
are  not  yet  over.2  We  were  obliged,  some  time  ago,  after 
having  tried  all  the  other  means  in  our  power,  to  call  before 
the  consistory  Mr.  Georges,  Mr.  Sylvestre,  and  Mr.  John 
Paulo.  Nevertheless,  though  their  conduct  was  highly  repre- 
hensible, they  were  dismissed  with  a  very  mild  exhortation. 
Soon  after  that  poor  hairbrained  physician,3  haunted  by  his 
evil  conscience,  because  he  saw  an  officer  present  himself  at 
the  lecture,  took  it  into  his  head  to  fancy  that  they  wanted  to 
apprehend  him,  and  forthwith  took  to  flight.  Then  several 
things  were  brought  to  light  to  which  it  was  necessary  to  ap- 
ply a  remedy.  And  inasmuch  as  to  heal  or  mitigate  the  hid- 
den evil,  it  was  necessary  to  bring  it  clearly  to  light,  I  was 
of  opinion  that  a  pure  and  simple  confession  would  be  an  ex- 

1  Allusion  to  the  Bernese. 

a  At  this  time  grave  differences  broke  out  on  the  subject  of  the  dogma  of  the  Trinity, 
in  the  Italian  congregation.  A  confession  of  faith  was  drawn  up  by  Calvin  himself;  but 
it  excited  the  most  stormy  discussions  in  the  bosom  of  the  church,  for  which  it  was, 
destined  : — there  were  some  who  would  not  sign  the  said  confession,  among  others 
John  Paul,  de  la  Motte;  Francis,  of  Padua;  Philip,  a  physician  :  Nicolo  Gallo,  :i  Sar- 
dinian ;  Valentine,  a  native  of  Calabria;  and  Hyppolite  de  Carignan,  a  Piedmontese, 
who  yielded  to  no  remonstrances.     Registers  of  the  Council,  (19th  May,  1558.) 

3  George  Blandrata,  a  celebrated  physician  and  antitrinitarian.  Born  in  the 
Marquisate  of  Salluccs  in  1520;  he  withdrew  by  flight  from  the  pursuits  of  the  in- 
quisition  of  Pavia;  went  to  seek  refuge  at  Geneva  ;  and  quitted  this  town  to  betake  him- 
self to  Poland,  where  he  propagated  his  errors.  He  died  in  1590;  assassinated  it  is 
said  by  his  own  nephew,  who  seized  upon  his  treasures. 


1558.]  THE   MARQUIS   DE   VICO.  443 

cellent  and  useful  proof  to  make  every  one  declare  who  he 
was.  I  suppose  your  friends  have  sent  you  a  copy  of  the  pro- 
ceedings, as  I  begged  them  to  do. 

One  day  after  the  lecture,  by  the  authority  of  the  seigneury, 
the  church  was  assembled  without  much  noise  or  scandal. 
The  confession  was  read,  and  it  was  briefly  declared  with 
many  remonstrances,  that  not  without  urgent  necessity  re- 
course had  been  had  to  this  expedient ;  it  was  permitted  to 
every  one  to  object  what  he  might  think  suitable,  or  allege 
his  scruples.  And  this  was  done  with  such  excessive  license, 
that  you  will  be  horrified,  on  your  arrival  here,  to  learn  what 
we  then  suffered  from  Mr.  John  Paulo.  At  last,  however,  all 
consented  to  subscribe,1  even  one,  Valentin  Gentilis,2  who  had 
not  appeared  at  the  assembly  on  account  of  an  alleged  illness. 
As  to  Mr.  John  Paulo,  having  disgorged  his  venom,  he  forth- 
with decamped.  Now  we  believed  that  tranquillity  was  fairly 
established,  inasmuch  as  every  one  had  declared  and  protested 
on  pain  of  being  held  perjured  and  infamous,  that  he  would 
adhere  to  the  confession.  But  this  did  not  last  long,  for  Va- 
lentin, who  is  now  in  prison  as  false  and  disloyal,  has  kept  in 
secret'a  kind  of  school  for  the  propagation  of  his  errors,  which 
are  on  one  point  as  detestable  as  those  of  Servetus,  as,  in  fact, 
there  is  scarcely  any  difference  between  them.  Since  he  has 
been  handed  over  to  justice,  he  has  sufficiently  demonstrated 

•  In  the  Opuscules  of  Calvin,  p.  1937,  may  be  read  the  Confession  of  Faith,  of  the 
Italians  covered  with  the  following  signatures  :-I,  Sylvestre  Tellie,  approve  of  the 
above  written  confession,  and  detest  everything  that  is  contrary  to  it.— I,  Francis 
Porcelin,  admit  and  approve  everything  which  the  above  mentioned  confession  con- 
tains.—I,  Valentine  Gentil,  admit  as  the  aforesaid.-I,  Hyppolite  de  Carignan,  admit  as 
(he  aforesaid.— I,  Nicholas  Gall,  of  Sardinia,  admit  as  the  aforesaid. 

»  Valentin  Gentilis,  a  native  of  Cosenza.  in  the  kingdom  of  Naples.  An  ardent, 
restless  spirit,  disposed  to  dogmatize  continually,  in  an  age  inflexible  towards  any 
differences  of  opinion  in  matters  of  faith,  he  refused  to  subscribe  the  Formulary  of 
the  Italian  Church.  Imprisoned  for  some  rather  too  free  expressions  against  the 
Trinity,  he  boldly  maintained  his  opinion,  then  retracted,  and  was  not  the  less  con- 
demned as  a  blasphemer,  to  capital  punishment.  (15th  August,  1558.)  His  punish- 
ment being  commuted  into  a  simple  penance,  he  fled  from  Geneva ;  wandered  a 
long  time  in  France,  Germany,  Poland,  and  reappeared  in  Switzerland  after  the 
death  of  Calvin,  hoping  to  find  more  liberty  for  his  opinions.  In  1566,  brought  before 
the  magistrates  of  Berne,  he  was  condemned  to  death  a  second  time,  and  perished 
a  martyr  to  an  opinion  which  counted  numerous  disciples  in  the  Churches  of  Poland 
and  Moravia. 


444  THE   MARQUIS   DE   VICO.  [1558. 

to  all  of  us,  that  for  pride,  malice,  hypocrisy,  and  obstinate 
impudence,  he  has  his  full  share  of  them.  At  least  he  has  not 
spared  me,  nor  ceased  to  cover  me  with  as  many  scurrilous 
outrages,  as  a  man  in  despair  can  vomit  forth;  and  that  too,  in 
writing.  I  know  not  what  will  be  the  issue  of  it,  but  the 
commencement  greatly  annoys  me.1 

There  is  also  the  young  Sardinian,2  who  is  not  such  as 
Gentilis,  inasmuch  as  he  disavows  the  absurd  opinions  which 
discredited  him.  But  because  he  stubbornly  persists  in  deny- 
ing the  faults  of  which  he  was  convicted,  I  know  not  what 
will  be  the  result.  If  it  had  been  possible  to  induce  him  to 
make  a  frank  avowal,  I  had  already  obtained  pardon  for  him. 
But  God  permits  it  not.  Though  some  of  the  nation  are  sus- 
pected, yet  I  do  not  perceive  that  he  has  many  accomplices, 
even  those  who  might  formerly  have  favoured  him  must  now 
be  thoroughly  disgusted  with  him,  since  they  have  seen  with 
what  extravagance  he  pleads  his  cause,  for  they  have  been 
called  in  as  witnesses  in  the  affair.  So  that  for  other  concealed 
evils  of  the  church,  also,  I  am  very  desirous  of  your  speedy 
return.  For  I  see  that  from  day  to  day,  they  become  more 
bitter  against  one  another.  When  you  shall  be  among  us,  I 
trust  that  God  by  your  aid  will  bring  about  a  more  favoura- 
ble termination.  If  you  delay,  I  shall  endeavour,  as  far  as  I 
shall  have  it  in  my  power,  to  appease  matters. 

On  the  side  of  France,  there  happened  about  two  months 
ago  an  affray  at  Paris,  because,  on  a  public  place  called  the 
Pre"  au  Clercs,  several  people  in  a  numerous  assembly  began 
and  continued  to  sing  psalms.3  The  king  of  Navarre,  with 
such  a  suite  as  you  can  imagine,  had  joined  the  party.     Seve- 

1  See  the  papers  relating  to  the  first  process  of  Valentin  Gentilis.  Opusctdes,  p. 
1921,  and  the  following. 

2  Nicholas  Gallo  already  named. 

8  Thus  then  from  day  to  day,  the  assembly  at  Paris  multiplied  where  it  came  to 
pass  that  certain  persons  being  at  the  Pri  aux  Clercs,  began  to  sing  psalms,  which 
being  heard,  a  great  number  of  those  who  were  walking  and  exercising  themselves  in 
different  pastimes,  joined  in  with  this  music;  some  from  the  love  of  novelty,  others  to 
aiug  along  with  those  who  had  begun.  In  the  mean  time  the  adversaries  of  our  doc- 
trine, thinking  that  it  was  all  over  with  them,  ran  towards  the  King  and  gave  him  to 
understand  that  the  Lutherans  had  stirred  up  a  sedition  in  the  town  of  Paris,  etc. 
Beza,  torn.  i.  p.  141, 142.     Hietoire  des  Martyrs,  1.  vii.  p.  439. 


1558.]  THE   MARQUIS   DE   VICO.  445 

ral  persons  were  arrested  on  this  occasion.  So  many  edicts 
have  been  published,  accompanied  by  severe  threats,  that  the 
affair  has  dropped.  In  the  mean  time,  the  king  having  called 
Mr.  D'Andelot  before  him  for  the  purpose  of  intimidating  him, 
the  latter  frankly  made  a  confession  of  his  faith  in  the  royal 
presence.  Thereupon,  the  king  enraged,  sent  him  escorted 
by  ten  archers  to  the  town  of  Meaux,  whence  he  has  been 
transported  to  the  Castle  of  Melun.1  Now  Monseigneur,  you 
could  scarcely  believe  how  powerfully  God  has  wrought  in 
him.  He  was  solicited  on  all  hands  to  give  in  his  submission. 
His  wife,  in  an  advanced  state  of  pregnancy,  called  his  atten- 
tion to  her  position  to  move  him  to  compassion  for  the  fruit 
of  her  womb;*  his  brother  the  cardinal,3  and  also  many  sub- 
orned messengers  urged  him.  All  they  requested  of  him  was 
only  to  confess  before  the  king  his  fault,  in  having  spoken  in- 
considerately, and  with  too  much  audacity.  You  will  be  aston- 
ished when  you  shall  be  more  fully  informed  here  of  the  affair, 
at  the  strength  of  mind  with  which  he  resisted  all  these  as- 
saults. The  details  we  have  learned,  not  by  hearsay,  but 
from  his  own  letters.  Whatever  be  the  result,  he  has  so 
well  learned  the  lesson  of  renouncing  everything  which  might 
turn  him  aside  from  the  right  path ;  that  all  his  relations  and 
even  his  wife  have  given  over  tormenting  him;  despairing  of 
gaining  any  thing  by  their  importunities.  Now,  that  the 
threats  have  been  redoubled,  and  he  has  been  informed  by  his 
friends  that  a  decision  has  been  fully  come  to  of  having  him 
shut  up  during  the  rest  of  his  life,  you  will  see  by  his  letters 
what  a  befitting  frame  of  mind  God  has  bestowed  on  him, 
both  with  regard  to  this  act  and  all  the  previous  procedure. 
I  will  say  nothing  further  on  that  subject,  because  I  am  well 


1  See  the  letter,  p.  437. 

*  The  child  that  was  born  during  the  captivity  of  D'Andelot,  (it  was  a  girl,)  was 
baptized  in  the  Reformed  Church  of  Paris.  "  I  supplicate  our  heavenly  Father,  that 
first  of  all  he  would  be  pleased  to  give  his  blessing  to  the  creature  of  his  of  which 
he  has  made  me  father,  that  her  beginning  and  end  may  be  dedicated  to  his  glory  ; 
and  to  us  the  grace  and  force  constantly  to  resist  his  enemies  and  my  own,  while  1 
shall  fight  for  the  advancement  of  the  reign  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ."  DAndelot  to 
the  ministers  of  Paris,  1st  July  1558.     (  MSS.  of  Geneva.) 

3  Odet  de  Chatillon. 


446  THE   MARQUIS   DE   VICO.  [1558. 

aware  that  of  your  own  accord  you  will  reflect  sufficiently  on 
the  utility  of  this  example  for  our  direction.  I  have  where- 
withal to  spin  out  my  letter  to  three  times  its  present  length, 
were  it  not  that  I  prefer  to  give  you  a  motive  for  hastening 
your  return.  For  though  you  expect  to  have  a  share  of  our 
vexations,  that  will  not  retard  your  coming,  since  by  it  you 
hope  to  serve  God,  which  you  prize  more  highly  than  all  the 
joys  of  the  world. 

Whereupon,  Monseigneur,  having  humbly  commended  me 
to  your  favour  and  fervent  prayers,  I  will  supplicate  our 
heavenly  Father  to  have  you  in  his  holy  keeping,  to  direct 
you  in  every  thing  and  every  where,  to  strengthen  you  with 
such  constancy  as  he  knows  to  be  needful  for  you,  and  to 
cause  his  name  to  be  more  and  more  glorified  in  you. 
Your  servant  and  humble  brother, 

Charles  D'Espeville. 

Monsieur,  as  you  will  receive  letters  from  Monsieur  de  Jon- 
villers,1  I  shall  not  send  you  his  salutations.  The  others 
have  begged  me  to  present  you  theirs,  viz: — Monsieur  de  Nor- 
mandie,  Monsieur  de  Varennes,2  and  his  cousin,  my  brother, 
as  also  all  my  colleagues. 

I  had  forgotten  to  drop  a  word  about  the  lady  who  passed 
by  here  last  summer :  it  is,  that,  thanks  be  to  God  in  her 
weakness,  she  accomplishes  some  duties  and  persists  in  the 
good  course  on  which  she  has  entered. 

Your  humble  servant,  as  above  signed. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Yol.  107-1 

1  Charles  de  Jonvillers,  secretary  of  Calvin. 
9  William  de  Trie,  Seigneur  de  Varennes. 


1558.]  THE   DUCHESS   OF   FERRAKA.  447 


DV. — To  the  Duchess  of  Ferrara.1 

Christian  exhortations— answer  to  a  question— news  of  the  Marquis  de  Vico. 

20th  July  1558. 

Madame,— I  give  God  thanks  that  the  man  whom  I  pre- 
sented to  you  has  so  well  acquitted  himself  of  his  duty,  as  to 
give  you  satisfaction.       I  rejoice  at  it,  and  I  trust  that  his 
labours  may  in  like  manner  have  contributed  to  advance  you 
in  the  path  of  salvation.     Now,  since  God  has  not  permitted 
him  this  time  to  pursue  his  service  any  longer,  I  entreat  you, 
Madame,  to  continue  to  be  daily  taught  in  the  school  of  Jesus 
Christ,  as  in  fact  you  are  sufficiently  aware,  without  being  re- 
minded by  others,  of  the  need  you  have  of  that,  especially 
when  the  devil  stirs  up  all  the  troubles  which  he  can  to  turn 
you  aside  from  it.     But  as  you  have  to  resist  every  contrivance 
which  this  mortal  enemy  of  our  salvation  hatches  against  you, 
call  to  your  remembrance  that  God  makes  use  of  such  means 
to  try  your  faith.     If  this  trial  seems  to  you  sharp  and  bitter, 
weigh  well  what  St.  Paul  has  said;  if  a  corruptible  metal  is  put 
into  the  fire  to  ascertain  whether  it  is  good  and  genuine,  shall 
not  your  faith  which  is  more  precious  also  be  tried?    If  you  feel 
in  yourself  more  weakness  than  is  desirable,  have  recourse  to 
Him  who  has  permitted  that  those  who  trust  in  him  shall  be 
like  a  tree  planted  by  the  rivers,  having  a  good  and  living 
root,  which  shall  never  wither,  whatever  heats  fall  out,     For 
it  is  certain  that  he  will  never  suffer  us  to  be  tempted  beyond 
what  we  can  bear,  and  if  he  gives  a  loose  to  Satan,  he  will  in- 
crease at  the  same   time  in  us   strength  to  surmount  every 
thing.     It  is  good  and  useful  thoroughly  to  probe  our   in- 

'Seep.  187. 

Restored  to  liberty  after  long  domestic  persecutions,  this  princess  lived  incomplete 
retirement  Settled  by  turns  in  the  palace  of  St.  Francisco  at  Ferrara,  or  in  the  villa 
of  Consendre  in  the  environs  of  the  town,  she  there  received,  in  secret,  the  exhortations 
of  Calvin,  and  the  ministers  who  were  sent  to  her  from  Geneva. 


448  THE    DUCHESS    OF   FERRARA.  [1558. 

firmity,  not  to  make  us  in  despair  relax  our  efforts,  but  to  stir 
us  up  to  seek  the  remedy.  Wherefore,  Madame,  while  you 
feel  confident  that  the  enemy  who  foams  with  rage  will  ac- 
complish nothing,  notwithstanding  all  his  endeavours,  without 
the  permission  of  the  sovereign  Master,  yet  be  not  weary  in 
striving  against  all  temptations;  and  inasmuch  as  you  will 
have  need  of  arms  for  that  purpose,  in  having  recourse  to  Him 
who  is  sufficient  to  strengthen  you,  lend  yourself  also  to  holy 
exhortations,  and,  as  I  have  already  said,  do  not  esteem  it  a 
slight  advantage  to  have  a  man  who  may  daily  urge  you  to 
your  duty,  a  means  of  which  you  have  hitherto  proved  the 
utility  ;  in  which  I  hope  your  friends  will  not  fail  you,  and 
when  it  shall  please  you  to  send  me  word  to  procure  you  a  suit- 
able person,  I  shall  most  willingly  execute  your  commission. 
Only,  Madame,  take  courage,  not  giving  Satan  the  advantage 
which  he  is  seeking  for,  of  finding  you  unprovided ;  and 
beware  when  you  think  you  are  only  on  feigned  pretences 
avoiding  the  combat,  lest  such  fear  give  to  the  enemy  the  very 
victory  he  is  striving  to  obtain.  For  we  ought  to  know  his 
wiles  in  order  to  defeat  them.  Though  the  condition  of  God's 
children  should  be  a  hundred  times  harder,  yet  certainly  it  is 
not  a  reason  for  quitting  the  good  to  which  God,  of  his  infinite 
bounty,  has  been  pleased  to  call  us. 

I  have  also  heard,  Madame,  that  you  are  not  without  your 
torments  in  your  household.  But  this  evil  you  must  over- 
come like  the  others.  And  there  may  appear  to  be  danger, 
that  those  who  are  not  to  be  brought  over  to  the  right  way, 
but  remain  obstinate,  should  you  dismiss  them,  may  seek 
vengeance  by  backbiting  and  calumnies,  yet  it  is  better  at 
once  to  run  the  risk  than  to  go  on  thus  languishing  continually. 
But  the  main  point  is  to  purge  your  house,  as  God  commands 
you  to  do,  and  for  which  you  have  the  example  of  David 
in  Psalm  ci.  When  you  have  taken  pains  to  dedicate  it 
pure  and  undefined  to  God,  trust  that  he  will  be  the  protector 
of  it.  True  it  is,  however  much  you  labour  to  that  end,  there 
will  always  be  imperfections  ;  but  so  much  the  more  it  behoves 
you  to  bestir  yourself,  that  you  may  at  least  accomplish  your 
duty  by  halves.  And  in  the  mean  time,  we  have  this  privilege 


1558.]  THE    DUCHESS    OF    FERRARA.  4±9 

when  we  aim  at  the  mark,  that  God  accepts  the  will  for  the 
deed. 

I  have  still,  Madame,  one  word  to  say  respecting  the  scruples 
you  entertain  about  the  presentation  to  benefices.  If  you  can- 
not do  better,  inasmuch  as  the  property  is  not  yours,  at  least 
in  order  not  to  intermeddle  with  such  a  burden,  entrust  the 
direction  of  it  to  the  worthy  Abbe",  who  will  be  delighted  to 
take  it  off  your  shoulders.  And  to  the  letters  of  authority 
which  you  shall  deliver  to  him  may  be  appended  without  in- 
convenience, the  clause,  that  for  the  satisfaction  of  your  con- 
science, and  because  you  do  not  wish  to  be  mixed  up  with 
what  concerns  the  state  of  the  church,  you  appoint  him  to  that 
office.  For  in  any  way  to  make  a  good  use  of  that  trust,  I  see 
no  possibility  for  you.  For  the  rest,  I  pray  you,  Madame,  to 
render  yourself  callous  to  censure  while  doing  good,  since 
this  is  the  wages  we  are  promised  from  on  high.  As  to  threats 
which  are  rather  harder,  strive  against  all  weakness,  because 
in  giving  way  to  them,  instead  of  advancing  you  will  go  back- 
wards. If  you  find  contradictions  in  yourself,  let  that  not  as- 
tonish you,  for  however  valiant  a  champion  St.  Peter  was,  yet 
it  is  said  of  him:  They  will  lead  thee  whither  thou  wouldst 
not.  In  which  we  have  a  proof  that  we  can  never  belong  to 
God  without  some  opposition  on  our  part,  inasmuch  as  our 
flesh  shrinks  from  the  struggle. 

The  excellent  seigneur,  of  whom  I  know  you  will  be  glad 
to  have  news,1  had  crossed  the  sea  at  the  end  of  March,  and 
before  the  middle  of  June  obtained  a  promise  that  some  galleys 
should  be  dispatched  to  convey  his  wife,  for  the  passage  is  not 
long,  and  he  obtained  this  favour  of  the  captain,  who  can 
gratify  him  in  this  matter  without  trouble  or  expense.  I 
fancy,  however,  that  he  will  soon  be  back,  if  God  does  not 
miraculously  change  the  heart  of  his  wife,  who  loves  him  in 
such  sort,  as  to  draw  him  on,  if  she  could,  to  perdition.  But 
at  all  events,  it  will  be  enough  for  him  to  have  discharged  his 
duty  in  order  to  be  held  excused  before  God  and  men. 


1  The  Marquis  de  Vico.     Charged  three  years  before  with  a  secret  mission  of  the  Re- 
formers, this  Seigneur  had  received  the  most  cordial  welcome  at  the  court  of  Ferrara. 
57 


450  MONSIEUR  d'andelot.  [1558. 

Madame,  I  commend  me  humbly  to  your  kind  favour,  after 
having  supplicated  our  heavenly  Father  to  direct  you  always 
by  his  Spirit,  to  fortify  you  by  his  strength,  to  have  you  in 
his  keeping,  and  increase  you  in  all  good. 
Your  most  humble  servant, 

Charles  D'Espeville. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107.] 


DVI. — To  Monsieur  D'Andelot.1 

He  blames  him  for  his  weakness — and  exhorts  him  to  repair  the  scandal  caused  by  hi3 

fall. 

July  1558. 

Monseigneur, — I  should  not  have  delayed  solongin  writing 
to  you  after  we  received  the  sad  tidings  of  what  had  fallen 
out,  contrary  to  our  expectations,  but  that  I  feared  for  want 
of  proper  information  I  might  adopt  a  style  of  writing  un- 
suitable to  the  circumstances.  Thus  I  preferred  to  allow 
those  to  act  who  were   at    a  shorter  distance.     I  would  have 

'  After  an  imprisonment  of  several  months,  during  which  he  opposed  to  the  tears  of 
his  wife  and  the  instances  of  his  friends  a  heroic  constancy,  D'Andelot  yielded  in  a 
moment  of  weakness,  and  consented  to  write  to  the  king  a  letter  of  submission.  This 
sad  news,  immediately  known  all  over  the  church  of  Paris,  was  announced  by  the 
minister,  Macar,  to  Calvin  : — "Alas  !  shall  he  in  whom  we  triumphed  fall  off,  that 
God  may  humble  us  in  every  manner?"  Letter  of  the  14th  of  July,  1558.  Here  are 
the  contents  of  that  letter,  which  D'Andelot  wrote  to  the  king  : — "  Sire,  I  have  re- 
ceived singular  pleasure  from  the  company  of  Dr.  Rusl6,  whom  I  have  detained  two 
days,  as  well  for  the  satisfaction  I  felt  in  being  instructed  by  so  good  a  personage,  as 
in  order  to  have  time  and  means  to  give  him  some  slight  explanation  of  my  faith  and 
religion,  which  I  should  be  sorry  were  such  as  some  have  perhaps  been  inclined  to 
believe.  I  beg,  very  humbly,  your  majesty  to  deign  to  do  me  so  much  favour  and 
kindness  as  to  consent  to  give  him  a  patient  hearing,  and  I  trust  in  God,  that  after 
bis  report  you  will  not  remain  dissatisfied  with  me  ;  for  some  part  of  it  will  give  you 
satisfaction.  Having  the  happiness  of  being  able  to  hear  him,  I  shall  inform  your 
majesty  that  I  will  obey  you,  as  God  commands  me,  and  the  duty  of  your  very  hum- 
ble and  obliged  servant  requires."     7th  July  1558.  (MSS.  of  Geneva.) 

After  his  first  act  of  weakness,  D'Andelot  committed  a  second.  He  consented 
to  hear  mass  :  "  which,  however,"  says  Beza,  "  he  acknowledged  to  have  done  from 
great  infirmity ;  and  which  act  he  always  condemned  even  till  death,  and  amended  by 
all  the  means  which  it  is  possible  to  desire." 


1558.]  monsieur  d'andelot.  451 

answered  your  letter  sooner,  however,  if  the  bearer  of  it  had 
not  told  me  that  he  was  not  to  return  to  you,  and  because  he 
was  the  most  eligible  person  to  charge  with  such  a  commis- 
sion. 1  am  well  aware  that,  in  respect  of  the  act  which 
you  have  committed,  the  excuses  which  you  adduce  have 
a  certain  plausibility  to  extenuate  its  culpability  in  part.  But 
when  you  shall  have  duly  considered  the  matter  with  a  closer 
scrutiny,  you  will  scarcely  find  anything  in  it  to  hold  you 
excusable  before  God.  For  you  know  how  many  poor  weak 
souls  have  been  troubled  by  such  a  scandal,  and  how  many 
people  will  be  able  to  confirm  their  wavering  by  your  exam- 
ple. And  even  if  the  evil  of  having  ruined  what  you  your- 
self built  up  should  not  follow,  yet  in  itself  is  it  no  small  or 
slight  offence  to  have  preferred  men  to  God,  and,  to  gratify  a 
mortal  creature,  to  have  forgotten  Him  who  made  and  sup- 
ports us,  who  has  redeemed  us  by  the  death  of  his  only  Son, 
and  made  us  partakers  of  his  kingdom.  In  a  word,  God  has 
been  defrauded  by  your  too  great  deference  for  men,  whether 
from  their  favour,  from  fear,  or  from  respect.  The  capital 
point  is  that  the  enemies  of  truth  have  had  occasion  to  triumph 
not  only  in  having  shaken  your  faith,  but  in  having  had  their 
abominations  approved  of.  In  your  person,  they  have  even 
imagined  that  they  have  vanquished  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
having  brought  his  doctrine  into  disgrace,  for  you  well  know 
that  they  have  not  failed  to  scoff  and  disgorge  their  blasphe- 
mies. It  appears  to  you,  since  one  easily  sees  that  you  have 
yielded  to  force,  that  the  fault  was  not  so  very  great ;  but  I 
beg  you  to  think  of  the  numerous  martyrs,  who  during  the 
shadows  of  the  law,  chose  rather  to  die  than  merely  to  eat  the 
flesh  of  swine;  no  doubt  in  consideration  of  the  consequence, 
because  such  an  act  was  an  implied  testimony  that  they  pol- 
luted themselves  with  the  heathen  in  quitting  the  God  of 
Israel.  You  are  not  ignorant  of  what  those  persons  pretend, 
who  have  wrung  from  you  your  consent  to  be  present  at  their 
idolatries.  It  is  to  make  you  renounce  the  confession  by 
which  they  felt  themselves  endangered,  and  efface  the  praise 
of  courage  and  constancy  which  God  had  conferred  on  you, 
or  to  present  it  in  quite  an  opposite  light  as  if  it    had  been 


452  monsieur  d'axdelot.  [1558. 

a  puff  of  empty  wind.  And  in  that  you  should  have  better 
practised  the  exhortation  of  St.  Paul  not  to  give  a  handle 
to  those  who  seek  it,  and  not  to  open  their  mouths  to  despite 
God.  Your  fall  has  thus  been  very  grievous,  and  you  ought 
to  remember  it  with  bitterness  of  heart. 

I  have  no  doubt  but  what  I  tell  you  will  at  first  sight  ap- 
pear harsh  to  you,  but  I  will  say  with  St.  Paul,  that  I  shall 
not  repent  of  having  afflicted  you,  provided  it  be  for  your 
salvation.  Nay,  if  you  desire  to  be  spared  of  God,  it  is  good 
and  salutary  for  you  not  to  be  spared  of  those  to  whom  he  has 
given  in  charge  to  bring  you  to  repentance.  For  since  those 
who  seek  to  absolve  themselves  are  the  most  severely  con- 
demned by  him,  he  shews  you  singular  favour  in  chiding  you 
by  his  word,  in  order  to  render  you  your  own  judge.  Never- 
theless, it  is  not  my  intention  to  grieve  you  beyond  measure, 
so  that  you  should  lose  all  heart  for  the  future.  Only  I  en- 
treat you  to  be  so  offended  with  yourself  for  what  has  been 
already  done  amiss,  as  that  to  repair  it  youshall  return  into  that 
course  which  you  had  so  well  begun,  striving  to  glorify  God 
in  purity,  and  shewing  by  deeds  that  if  you  have  once  stum- 
bled, you  have  not  strayed  entirely  from  the  right  path.  In 
a  worldly  point  of  view,  it  is  a  very  hard  condition  to  quit 
unreservedly  things  which  have  so  much  power  to  allure  and 
detain  us  ;  but  there  is  nothing  which  should  be  put  in  the  bal- 
ance with  the  honour  of  God.  Nay,  if  we  reflect  properly 
on  the  shortness  of  life,  it  ought  not  to  cost  us  much  to  follow 
our  Lord  Jesus  in  his  death  and  burial  in  order  to  be  par- 
takers of  his  glory.  And  this  is  the  end  which  the  remarks 
I  offered  you  in  my  letters  had  in  view — that  not  only  we 
must  patiently  endure  to  die  with  our  Head,  but  also  to  be 
buried  with  him  until  he  fully  restore  us  against  his  coming. 
For  I  made  use  of  this  simile,  comparing  your  affliction  to 
a  death  ;  but  because  your  trials  were  not  yet  over,  that  you 
might  be  better  disposed  to  perseverance,  I  reminded  you  of 
the  saying  of  St  Paul,  that  we  must  be  buried  along  with  him 
— not  to  faint  though  the  evil  should  be  prolonged,  and  we 
should  be  obliged  to  languish  longer  than  we  might  wish,  ;t.- 
he  expresses  himself  in  another  passage,  that  we   must  con- 


1558.]  THE  EARL  OF  ARRAN.  4C3 

tinually  bear  about  the  dying  of  Jesus  Christ,  in  order 
that  his  life  may  be  manifested  in  us.  In  short,  this  burial 
consists  in  our  daily  more  and  more  forgetting  the  world. 
When  we  shall  do  this,  just  as  we  shall  have  put  off  our 
earthly  affections,  so  much  the  nearer  shall  we  draw  to  God 
to  enjoy  his  presence  after  our  death,  as  St.  Paul  says  in 
another  passage,  Now  we  walk  by  faith  not  by  sight,  but  when 
we  have  left  this  perishing  tabernacle  we  shall  be  with  God, 
expecting  to  receive  a  crown  of  glory  when  Jesus  Christ  shall 
appear  in  his  majesty.  Wherefore,  with  this  confident  hope, 
we  have  to  combat  valiantly  and  not  faint,  knowing  that  He 
who  hath  promised  is  faithful.  And  because  experience  must 
have  taught  you  to  fear,  you  cannot  follow  a  better  counsel 
than  that  which  you  have  taken,  to  fly  the  temptations  which 
might  again  cause  to  fall,  seeing  that  you  cannot  seek  them 
nor  approach  them  without  manifestly  tempting  God.  Since 
also  the  constancy  in  question  is  that  which  overcometh  the 
world,  have  recourse  to  God,  praying  him  to  strengthen  you 
and  not  to  permit  .... 

[Fr.  copy — Library  of  Geneva.    Yol.  107.] 


DVII. — To  the  Earl  of  Arran.1 

Eulogiums  on  his  attachment  to  the  gospel,  and  on  his  zeal  to  spread  it. 

1st  August  1558. 

Monseign'eur, — First  of  all  I  have  to  make  my  excuses  for 
answering  your  letters  so  long  after  the  time  in  which  you 

1  James  Hamilton,  Duke  of  Chatelleraut,  Earl  of  Arran,  eldest  son  of  the  nobleman 
of  that  name,  who  was  regent  of  Scotland  during  the  minority  of  Mary  Stuart.  The 
young  Earl  of  Arran  passed  several  years  in  France  as  Captain  of  the  Scotch  Guards, 
and  contributed  by  his  credit  to  the  formation  of  the  Reformed  Church  of  Chatelleraut. 
Bezci,  torn.  i.  p.  198.  Imprisoned  in  the  Castle  of  Vincennes,  for  having  spoken  too 
freely  on  religious  matters,  he  succeeded  in  absconding  in  1559,  and  thus  escaped  the 
vengeance  of  the  Guises,  resolved  to  strike  in  him  an  illustrious  victim,  in  order  to 
arrest  the  progress  of  schism.  De  Thou,  1.  xxiv.  The  Earl  of  Arran  immediately  after 
his  return  to  Scotland,  joined  the  Prior  of  St.  Andrews,  favoured  the  preaching  of 
Knox,  and  while  he  aspired  to  the  hand  of  Mary  Stuart,  he  constantly  opposed  the 
free  exercise  of  the  Catholic  religion  at  the  court.     He  became  insane  a  short  time 


454  THE    EARL    OF    ARRAX.  [1558. 

were  pleased  to  write  them.  Had  I  received  them  a  month 
after  their  date,  I  should  have  been  ashamed  to  have  received 
so  much  honour  without  acquitting  myself  earlier  of  my  duty. 
But  I  know  not  how  it  happened  that  they  came  to  hand  only 
six  weeks  ago.  Since  then  till  to  day  I  have  not  had  an  op- 
portunity of  a  trust-worthy  messenger,  to  thank  you  for  the 
trouble  which  you  have  kindly  taken,  in  letting  me  know  such 
good  news,  which  has  furnished  me  an  occasion  of  abundant 
rejoicing  and  magnifying  the  name  of  God,  because  of  his  in- 
finite goodness  he  has  gathered  you  into  his  flock.  True  it  is 
that  this  privilege  is  not  much  prized  by  the  great  ones  of 
this  world,  whose  eyes  are  dazzled  by  the  honours  to  which 
they  have  been  raised.  But  I  doubt  not,  Monseigneur,  but 
you  put  in  practice,  what  has  been  said  by  St.  James,  that 
the  most  noble  and  the  most  excellent  have  to  glory  in 
their  littleness  in  order  to  be  classed  among  the  subjects  of 
Jesus  Christ  who  are  rejected  and  despised.  And  in  fact,  if 
we  consider  well  this  life  so  frail  and  perishing,  the  riches, 
pomps,  and  dignities  which  are  but  its  accessaries  will  not 
fix  us  here  below.  It  is  then  highly  proper  that  we  should 
prefer  the  inheritance  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  every  thing 
which  might  turn  us  aside  from  it,  and  that  with  such  con- 
stancy as  to  choose  rather  to  be  partakers  of  the  reproach 
of  Jesus  Christ  and  his  church,  than  to  be  absorbed  in  the  de- 
lights of  Egypt.  All  protest  indeed  that  they  wish  to  be 
Christians,  and  yet  they  profane  the  holy  name  which  they 
have  continually  in  their  mouths.  But  since  God  has  en- 
lightened you  by  the  pure  knowledge  of  his  truth,  you  can 
easily  judge,  Monseigneur,  by  comparing  white  with  black, 
how  few  find  the  right  path.  That  ought  to  make  you 
prize  still  more  that  inestimable  treasure  of  the  gospel,  since 
it  is  the  true  key  to  give  us  an  entrance  into  the  eternal  king- 
dom from  which  all  unbelievers  are  far  removed  and  shutout. 
Nay,  inasmuch  as  but  few  of  us  are  called,  we  are  the  more 
strictly  bound  to  the  Father  of  mercies,  who  has  looked  upon 

after  the  second  marriage  of  Mary,  but  lived  long  enough  however  to  see  in  1579  the 
disgrace  and  ruin  of  the  noble  family  of  Hamilton,  of  which  he  had  become  the  chief 
by  the  death  of  his  father. 


1558.]  THE    EARL    OF    ARRAN.  456 

us  with  compassion  to  confer  on  us  this  special  privilege, 
which  no  more  belonged  to  us  than  to  the  vast  number  of 
persons  who  are  denied  any  part  in  it,  except  that  by  his 
gratuitous  bounty,  he  has  been  pleased  to  adopt  and  elect  us. 
Thus,  Monseigneur,  let  the  poor  blinded  persons  whom  you 
see  wandering  in  darkness  be  to  you  a  mirror,  in  which  to 
contemplate  the  inestimable  blessing  which  has  been  bestowed 
on  you,  of  being  enlightened  by  the  Sun  of  righteousness, 
which  is  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  the  end  that  you  might  ar- 
rive at  the  life  which  is  in  heaven.  And  let  this  contempla- 
tion rouse  you  to  give  to  him  your  whole  heart  as  to  your 
alone  treasure,  and  strengthen  you  in  true  perseverance,  ac- 
cording to  the  solemn  obligation  into  which  you  have  entered 
in  receiving  the  holy  supper  of  the  Lord,  in  which  our  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ  bestows  himself  upon  us  in  such  a  manner  that 
he  desires  we  should  belong  to  him,  body  and  soul,  as  indeed 
he  is  the  Eedeemer  of  both.  I  am  very  glad,  Monseigneur, 
that  you  have  Captain  Bourdick  with  you,  who,  from  the  fer- 
vent zeal  which  I  have  ascertained  to  be  in  him  for  advancing 
the  kingdom  of  God,  will  serve  you  as  a  good  example.  I  am 
disposed  to  think  also  that  you  have  retained  him  for  that  end, 
especially  desiring  to  have  about  you  people  who  may  aid 
you  to  serve  God,  in  such  sort  that  he  may  rule  and  be 
honoured  both  by  your  followers,  and  by  yourself  who  are 
their  chief. 

I  praise  God,  likewise,  Monseigneur,  for  the  care  and  holy 
desire  which  you  manifest  that  the  pure  doctrine  of  the  gospel 
should  be  preached  in  your  nation.  To  which  duty  I  doubt 
not  but  our  brother,  Master  Knox,1  will  willingly  dedicate  his 
services,  as  indeed  he  has  already  shewn.  But  as  he  has  such 
a  charge  here,  he  is  not  quite  at  liberty;  some  means  must  be 
skilfully  devised  to  disengage  him,  when  I  am  confident  he 
will  make  no  difficulty  about  undertaking  the  journey.  How- 
ever that  may  be,  we  must  not,  if  possible,  allow  the  good  be- 
ginnings which  God  has  bestowed  to  fall  to  the  ground,  with- 
out striving  to  advance  them  still  further. 

1  He  discharged  at  this  time  the  duties  of  minister  of  the  English  Church  at  Geneva, 
and  returned  to  Scotland  in  the  end  of  this  same  year. 


456  viret.  [1558. 

I  have  to  put  you  on  your  guard,  Monseigneur,  against  a 

certain  young  man  who  is  a  native  of ,  named / 

who  made  some  stay  at  Bale,  and  is  rambling  over  the  king- 
dom of  France,  though  for  about  a  year  he  has  fixed  his 
residence  at  Bourges.  I  give  you  this  warning,  because  if  he 
obtained  an  entrance  into  your  household,  I  should  fear  he 
mio-ht  infect  all  with  his  venom.     I  am  constrained  to  inform 

O 

)rou  that  he  is  a  serpent  filled  with  pride,  duplicity,  and 
malice,  and  striving  by  his  wiles  to  destroy  and  falsify  the 
whole  truth  of  God.  Though  devoid  of  instruction,  he  has  an 
overweening  self-conceit,  and  more  than  ordinary  audacity. 
I  take  it  for  granted,  that  once  acquainted  with  what  he  is, 
you  will  feel  no  inclination  to  maintain  such  a  pest. 

Monseigneur,  having  humbly  commended  me  to  your  in- 
dulgent favour,  I  will  supplicate  the  Father  of  mercies  to  in- 
crease you  in  all  his  spiritual  gifts,  to  strengthen  you  by  the 
power  of  his  Spirit,  that  his  name  may  be  more  and  more 
glorified  in  you,  and  to  have  you  in  his  holy  keeping. 
[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.     Yol.  107.] 


DVIII—  To  VlRET.2 
Blames  the  hesitation  of  Viret — eulogy  of  the  conduct  of  Theodore  Beza. 

Geneva,  28th  August  1558. 

I  had  rather  spare  you  by  holding  my  peace,  as  I  have 
hitherto  done,  but  that  I  am  afraid  my  silence  would  offend 
you  more  than  my  importunate  frankness.  Were  you  not 
so  wedded  to  your  own  opinion,  you  would  shew  yourself,  I 
think,  more  equitable  to  our  friend  Beza.  First,  his  integ- 
rity is  so  well  known  to  me  that  you  will  never  persuade  me 
that  he  sought  some  feasible  pretext  for  leaving  you  civilly. 

1  The  names  are  left  in  blank  in  the  manuscript. 

a  See  the  letter  to  Viret,  of  the  16th  March  1553.  Page  414.  In  spite  of  his 
just  subjects  of  complaint  against  the  Bernese  despotism,  Viret  hesitated  to  separate 
from  a  church  which  was  dear  to  him,  and  incurred  by  his  hesitation  the  keen  censures 
of  Calvin. 


1558.]  viult.  457 

Next,  it  is  not  very  good  natured  on  your  part  to  reproach 
him  with  not  having  followed  another  method,  when  you 
yourself  dragged  him,  though  against  his  inclinations,  to 
adopt  the  one  which  you  now  censure.  But  is  it  at  all  fair 
now  to  condemn  the  man  whom  you  compelled  by  sheer  vio- 
lence, because  he  humoured  your  inclination  ?  Beza  saw  from 
the  beginning  what  the  result  now  makes  evident.  Recollect 
that  it  was  by  your  entreaties,  or  authority,  or  command  that 
he  knowingly  and  voluntarily  submitted  to  the  noose  in 
which  you  now  wish  to  keep  him  fast  bound.  Would  that 
he  had  never  yielded,  or  that  by  entreating  you  he  had  ob- 
tained what  he  so  frankly  sought !  The  complaints  would 
cease  to  day  which  his  facility  gave  birth  to. 

But  why  do  I  speak  of  complaints  ?  Because,  contrary  to 
the  sentiments  of  his  own  mind,  he  yielded  to  your  autho- 
rity and  wishes,  that  very  compliance  is  now  turned  against 
himself.  John  Cognat  told  me  this  circumstance,  that  the  re- 
sentment of  all  was  violently  kindled  against  Beza,  because 
he  had  supported  your  views,  though  he  had  himself  a  dif- 
ferent opinion.  Now  whose  fault  is  it,  pray,  when  you  say 
that  you  have  been  exposed  to  an  armed  fury  ?  And  yet  you 
now  carp  at  him,  and  as  if  he  had  postponed  your  counsel 
to  ours.  Respecting  my  colleagues,  I  have  nothing  to  answer, 
among  whom  he  never  opened  his  lips  on  the  question.  All 
contention  on  this  score  may  then  drop,  unless  it  was  your 
wish  to  give  a  wider  application  to  your  sarcasm,  lest  I  should 
be  the  only  person  to  smart  from  its  pungency.  But  I  see 
no  reason  for  your  being  so  much  incensed  that  Beza  em- 
braces the  counsels  of  those  whom  he  conceives  to  be  the 
faithful  and  sincere  servants  of  Christ,  when  }7ou  desire 
to  be  at  liberty  to  repudiate  the  counsels  of  those  who  have 
nothing  at  heart  so  much  as  to  look  forward  to  the  most 
favourable  adjustment  for  yourself.  Nor,  if  you  do  not  admit 
what  is  contrary  to  your  own  opinion,  ought  you  to  be  sur- 
prised that  Beza,  too,  should  subscribe  to  that  of  those  whom 
he  feels  to  be  more  propitious  to  himself.  There  are  many 
things  about  which  you  might  complain,  nor  do  I  want  in  my 
58 


458  viret.  [1558. 

turn  many  things  which  I  might  state  in  reply,  though  I  am 
not  quite  so  eloquent. 

Nobody  molests  you  to  make  you  desert  your  position,  nor 
if  I  dissent  from  your  views  do  I  for  that  reason  entertain  an 
unfavourable  opinion  of  you,  as  if  anything  else  than  the  fear 
of  God  occasioned  your  reluctance  to  depart;  on  the  contrary 
I  both  think  and  speak  of  you  as  a  man  guided  by  zeal  for 
piety,  but  deceived  by  a  too  great  propensity  to  hope  for  the 
best.  You  think  otherwise  ;  I  forgive  and  endure  your  senti- 
ment, provided  only  you  accord  me  the  same  liberty.  For 
notwithstanding  you  call  our  counsels  extreme,  though  I  do 
not  agree  with  you,  yet  as  far  as  I  am  concerned,  you  shall 
be  allowed  to  enjoy  your  own  direction  of  yourself.  Enquire 
whether  I  ever  spoke  of  you  with  any  degree  of  asperity, 
or  whether  it  was  not  my  constant  apprehension  that  your  city 
might  not  be  split  into  two  factions.  I  have  no  doubt,  more- 
over, that  it  was  that  which  Beza  wished  to  guard  against ; 
but  once  more  you  should  look  to  it  lest  while  you  wish  to 
subject  to  your  own  will  a  free  brother,  you  may  not  be  in- 
creasing the  evil  which  I  shrewdly  suspect  is  spreading 
among  you.  Add  to  this  that  the  religious  sentiment  of  your 
duty  will  force  you  ere  long  to  dissipate  the  calumnies  with 
which  he  is  unjustly  loaded.  For  I  can  endure  that  you 
should  be  so  much  offended  with  me  for  having  lately  ab- 
stained from  offering  any  advice,  provided  you  do  not  ex- 
postulate with  me  as  if  you  had  been  deserted,  and  accuse  me 
at  the  same  time  of  not  seeing  what  was  expedient.  For  in 
your  letter  both  these  charges  are  brought  forward.  You 
compare  us  to  persons  in  good  health,  as  if  we  were  touched 
by  no  feeling  of  anxiety  about  your  misfortunes,  or  as  if  we 
were  so  sluggish  that  it  never  occurred  to  us  what  evils  are 
impending  from  your  departure.  But  you  do  not  judge 
rightly  in  supposing  that  you  alone  are  assailed  from  all 
quarters,  since  the  whole  force  of  the  storm  will  also  fall 
back  upon  us.  May  the  Lord  govern  us  on  both  sides  by  a 
spirit  of  forbearance  and  meekness,  and  may  we  press  onward 
in  our  curriculum  with  united  minds  and  brotherly  love, 
mutually  helping  one  another  even  to  the  end. 


1558.]  JOHN    GARNIER.  459 

Farewell,  most  excellent  sir  and  highly  honoured  brother, 
I  entreat  you  to  salute  affectionately  all  your  fellow-pastors  ; 
kindest  wishes  to  your  wife  and  family 

I  shall  have  more  to  say  in  a  personal  interview  when  it 
shall  be  convenient  for   you  to  come  here,  since  it  is  not 
possible  for  me  to  take  a  quiet  journey  among  you. 
[Lat.  copy,  Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107  a.] 


DIX. — To  John  Garnier.1 

Ecclesiastical  troubles  at  Lausanne — the  Inquisition  at  Paris — dispersion  of  the  Church 

of  Montbeliard. 

Geneva,  29th  August  1558. 

I  cannot  altogether  exculpate  myself  from  the  charge  of  in- 
dolence, in  not  writing  oftener  to  you,  yet  the  principal  cause 
of  my  silence  is  the  want  of  fitting  messengers,  of  which  the 
opportunity  rarely  presents  itself.  From  the  distance  that 
separates  us  too,  my  news  is  obsolete  before  it  reaches  you, 
and  all  its  raciness  evaporates  on  the  road.  The  state  of 
our  affairs  is  tolerably  quiet  just  now,  except  that  our  neigh- 
bours cease  not  from  time  to  time  to  torment  us.  As  the 
proverb  says:  Relations  are  not  always  friends,  so  we  expe- 
rience that  good  will  is  not  always  cemented  by  alliances. 
The  Church  of  Lausanne  was  lately  on  the  point  of  being  en- 
tirely destroyed.  Violent  menaces  were  rife  against  it,  and 
its  enemies  were  only  restrained  by  force.  Viret,  indeed,  is 
not  yet  preparing  to  take  his  leave.  Beza,  having  sent  on 
his  household  furniture  before,  has  fixed  on  being  among  us 
within  two  days.     In  France,  though  the  enemies  of  the  truth 

1  John  Garnier  of  Avignon,  a  violent  adversary  of  the  Reformation,  soon  became 
one  of  its  most  active  propagators.  He  succeeded  in  1545,  in  the  functions  of  minis- 
ter of  the  French  Church  of  Strasbourg,  to  Peter  Bruly,  who  suffered  martyrdom  at 
Tournay.  A  zealous  partisan  of  ecclesiastical  discipline,  he  met  with  numerous  dif- 
ficulties in  the  exercise  of  his  ministry,  and  retired  of  his  own  accord  from  Strasbourg, 
to  devote  himself  to  the  education  of  a  young  prince  of  Hesse.  He  became  a  profes- 
sor at  Strasbourg,  preacher  to  the  court  at  Cassel,  returned  in  1569  to  Strasbourg,  and 
died  in  1574. 


460  JOHN    GARNIER.  [1558. 

are  venting  their  rage,  yet  God  has  in  a  miraculous  manner 
preserved  his  churches  under  the  shadow  of  his  wings.  The 
king  relaxes  nothing  of  his  rigour,  since  he  is  continually 
urged  on  by  his  furious  passions.  The  parliament  of  Paris  is 
actuated  by  the  desire  of  sparing  innocent  blood,  rather  than 
the  glory  of  Christ.  They  would  willingly  grant  impunity 
to  all,  provided  the  doctrines  of  salvation  were  renounced. 
The  king,  however,  looks  on  all  the  judges  with  a  suspicious 
eye.  Thus,  in  the  name  of  the  three  Cardinals,  whom  the 
Pope  has  set  over  the  inquisition,  ten  men  have  been  appointed, 
all  of  the  most  merciless  disposition,  to  exercise  judicial  func- 
tions on  religious  questions,  and  who,  for  this  purpose,  are 
invested  with  supreme  powers.  Andelot,  the  nephew  of  the 
constable,  has  basely  deceived  our  expectations.  After  hav- 
ing given  proofs  of  invincible  constancy,  in  a  moment  of 
weakness  he  consented  to  go  to  mass,  if  the  king  absolutely 
insisted  on  his  doing  so.  He  declared  publicly  indeed,  that 
he  thus  acted  against  his  inclinations ;  he  has  nevertheless  ex- 
posed the  gospel  to  great  disgrace.  He  now  implores  our 
forgiveness  for  this  offence.  But  our  decision  on  that  point 
will  depend  on  the  turu  that  matters  will  take.  This,  at  least, 
is  praiseworthy  in  him,  that  he  avoids  the  court,  and  openly 
declares  that  he  had  never  abandoned  his  principles.  At  the 
request  of  my  brethren,  I  must  also  write  to  you,  respecting 
the  sad  dispersion  of  the  Church  of  Montbeliard.  We  have 
no  hopes  of  remedying  that  evil,  unless  your  most  illustrious 
prince,  whom  common  rumour  affirms  to  be  destined  to  be 
the  o-uardian  of  your  young  man,  should  deign  to  take  upon 
him  the  task  of  looking  after  it.  Should  he  consent  to  send 
you  thither,  it  would  not  be  expedient  for  you  to  say  a  word 
about  all  these  intestine  divisions.  For  thus  you  will  come 
among  them  unfettered  by  any  previous  engagement,  and  free 
from  suspicion.  You  will  then  judge  on  the  spot  what  is 
best  to  be  done.  For  what  reason  Toussain  lately  employed 
his  influence  to  have  an  excellent  brother  ejected,  you  will  be 
better  able  to  appreciate  from  hearing  the  whole  proceedings 
of  the  cause.  It  is  impossible  to  stay  that  man's  appetite  for 
exiles.     He  would  wish  most   probably  to  get  rid  of  all   his 


1558.]  VENCESLAS   ZEULEGER. 


461 


rivals.  Meanwhile  he  sheds  crocodile's  tears  as  if  he  were 
seated  at  a  very  pleasant  spectacle.  After  having  perused 
the  missives  that  will  be  sent  to  you,  you  will  select  either 
of  the  two  which  your  prudence  shall  think  better  or  fitter  to 
be  acted  upon,  in  order  that  the  office  of  a  pastor  may  be 
conferred  on  you.  Or,  if  you  shall  not  think  it  advantageous 
that  the  prince  should  have  any  hand  in  the  remedying  of 
such  deadly  evils,  remember,  nevertheless,  if  it  shall  be  ne- 
cessary to  entreat  the  prince  to  confide  this  task  to  you,  that 
you  must  conceal  from  his  knowledge  things  of  which  he  will 
be  maturely  informed,  after  you  have  gained  a  clear  insight 
into  them  by  personal  inspection.  I  prescribe  nothing;  I  only 
entreat  and  beseech  you  to  leave  untried  no  means  of  re- 
lieving this  afflicted  church. 

Farewell,  distinguished  sir  and  very  worthy  brother.  May 
the  Lord  always  stand  by  you,  govern  you,  and  increase  you 
with  spiritual  gifts.  I  pray  for  all  prosperity  to  the  most  il- 
lustrious princes,  whom,  if  an  occasion  presents  itself,  you 
will  respectfully  salute  in  my  name. 

[Lat.  copy.— Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  a.] 


DX.— To  Yenceslas  Zeuleger.1 

Organization  of  the  Academy  of  Deux  Ponts— letter  of  Melanchthon— progress  of  the 

Gospel  in  France. 

That  you  have  been  received  into  the  family  of  the  most 
illustrious  prince  of  Deux  Ponts,  I  congratulate  you  on  your 
own  account  and  mine,  both  because  you  will  be  nearer  us, 
and  because,  as  I  hope,  you  will  have  an  opportunity  and  the 
means  of  illustrating  the  glory  of  God.  But  as  experience 
will  teach  you  with  how  many  temptations  the  courts  of  prin- 
ces abound,  you  will  have  to  be  sedulously  on  your  guard,  not 

1  Zeuleger,  a  learned  scholar  and  German  divine,  after  having  been  present  at  the 
Conference  of  Worms,  had  just  been  called  to  be  chaplain  to  the  Duke  of  Deux  Ponts. 
In  announcing  the  news  to  Calvin  in  a  letter  of  the  1st  August,  1558,  he  asked  of  him 
advice  for  the  organization  of  the  church. 


462  VEXCESLAS   ZEULEGER.  [1558. 

to  contract  therefrom  any  contamination.  This  I  am  confi- 
dent you  will  do,  even  without  being  reminded  of  it.  I  had 
already  heard  something  of  the  prince's  pious  zeal  in  establish- 
ing a  school.  Up  to  this  moment  I  was  ignorant  that  Doctor 
Marbach  had  been  charged  with  this  duty.  I  hope  the  others 
who  are  joined  with  him  do  not  resemble  him.  For,  if  he 
does  not  entertain  different  views  from  you — so  much  the 
worse,  that  without  any  reason  he  shews  himself  so  bitter  an 
enemy.  I  perceive  that  you  are  deceived  by  his  false  appear- 
ance of  kindness.  He  has  been  accustomed  to  retain  the  fa- 
vour of  all  by  his  bland  manners,  but  he  afterwards  secretly 
lets  out  his  venom.  If  I  shall  hear  that  any  good  proceeds 
from  him,  I  shall  reckon  it  among  those  advantages  that  have 
fallen  out  contrary  to  my  expectation.  If  you  think  that  the 
regulations  of  our  consistory  will  be  of  any  service  to  you,  I 
shall  make  it  my  business  to  have  an  abstract  of  them  written 
out  for  you  as  soon  as  it  shall  be  convenient.  This  it  has  not 
been  in  my  power  to  do  from  want  of  time,  for  your  letter 
came  to  hand  only  a  short  time  before  the  departure  of  our 
friend  Crispin.  With  regard  to  the  letter  of  Philip,1  whom 
you  would  like  to  see  approving  of  our  unanimity  in  regard 
to  the  Lord's  Supper,  I  know  not  if  it  will  be  proper  that  it 
should  pass  through  the  hands  of  men  of  whom  we  are  not 
quite  sure,  for  he  has  made  complaints  that  those  things  which 
he  wrote  to  me  in  confidence  have  been  spread  abroad.  You 
know  how  timid  he  is.  But,  though  I  see  him  agitated  by 
vain  fears,  yet  I  desire  to  shew  indulgence  to  his  advanced 
age.  It  would  be  a  much  better  method  if  the  prince  should 
ask  him  how  far  he  agrees  with  us,  for  if  he  suspects  no  craft 
he  will  freely  profess  his  opinion.  I  am  also  sorry  that  among 
us  the  Lord's  Supper  is  not  administered  to  the  sick.  Nor  is 
it  my  fault,  that  those  who  are  about  to  depart  from  this  life 
should  be  deprived  of  this  consolation.  But  as  a  contrary 
practice  had  so  long  prevailed  that  a  change  could  not  be  ef- 

*  "I  know,"  wrote  Zeuleger  to  Calvin,  "thiit  you  hnve  a  letter  of  Philip'?,  in  which 
he  writes  that  he  openly  agrees  with  you.  If  it  does  not  seem  troublesome  to  you,  I 
should  like  a  copy  of  it  to  bo  sent  me  ;  I  shall  not  make  an  undue  use  of  it."  (  MSB. 
of  Geneva.) 


155S.]  VENCESLAS    ZEl'LEGER.  463 

fected  without  much  contention,  I  have  preferred  to  consult 
peace;  especially  as  I  saw  that  there  would  be  not  only  dis- 
sensions in  the  city,  but  we  should  be  forced  into  a  hostile  con- 
flict with  our  neighbours,  and  a  load  of  infamy  would  be 
brought  on  me  as  if  I  attached  salvation  to  an  external  sym- 
bol. Only  it  has  been  my  wish  that  an  attestation  of  what  I 
wished  on  that  subject  should  go  down  to  posterity.  We 
shall  see  whether  it  will  be  possible  to  gratify  the  wishes  of 
Michael  Peuther.  Two  things  form  our  principal  obstacle, 
viz.,  that  false  rumours  are  often  disseminated,  and  that  almost 
all  men  are  blind  to  the  remarkable  proofs  of  God's  judgment. 

God  protects  in  a  miraculous  manner  the  little  churches 
which  are  scattered  up  and  down  France;  nay,  amid  the 
atrocious  threats  of  our  enemies,  he  gives  an  increase  which 
no  one  would  ever  have  dared  to  hope.  Our  brother  Macaire 
is  at  Paris,  and  persists  vigorously  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duty,  nor  will  he  depart  thence  unless  he  be  expelled  by  some 
overpowering  force.  His  three  colleagues  are  animated  by 
the  same  courage.  We  have  sent  another  pastor  to  Bourget, 
not  to  succeed  Martin,  but  to  take  a  part  of  the  burden  off 
his  shoulders,  for  one  man  was  already  unequal  to  so  great  a 
task.  The  number  of  the  faithful  is  every  where  increasing, 
and  already  in  very  many  places  secret  meetings  are  held. 
I  am  apprehensive,  lest  ere  long  you  will  hear  that  the  fury 
of  the  enemy  has  been  more  violently  kindled,  because  now 
in  certain  towns  of  Gascony  the  common  people  have  opened 
temples  for  the  pure  doctrine,  but  commissaries  sent  by  the 
parliament  of  Bordeaux  have  closed  their  doors.  You  know 
the  impetuosity  of  the  Gascon  character,  and  therefore  I  dread 
more  disturbances  from  that  cause,  unless  God  send  down 
among  them  a  spirit  of  moderation.  It  is  for  us  then  to  im- 
plore the  King  of  peace  to  temper  the  constancy  of  his  fol- 
lowers with  gentleness,  to  restrain  the  fury  of  their  enemies, 
and  defeat  their  obstinate  cruelty. 

Farewell,  most  accomplished  sir  and  respected  brother. 
May  the  Lord  always  stand  by  you,  govern  you  by  his  Spirit, 
and  bless  your  labours.     Our  friends  salute  you. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  copy. — Arch.  Eccl.  of  Berne.     Tom.  vi.  p.  790.] 


464  EMMANUEL   TREMELLI.  [1558. 


DXI. — To  Emmanuel  Tremelli.1 

Proposes  to  him  a  professor's  chair  of  the  Hebrew  language  at  Geneva. 

Geneva,  29fA  August  1558. 

As  our  friend  Antony  put  into  my  hands  a  month  later 
than  he  should  have  done  the  letter  you  entrusted  to  him, 
and  on  which  depended  the  execution  of  our  project,  I  was 
unwilling,  after  such  a  lapse  of  time,  to  spend  my  time  to  no 
purpose  in  writing  an  answer  to  it.  Besides,  I  thought  you 
would  no  longer  be  disengaged  when  my  letter  should 
reach  you.  Othman  had  written  that  an  academy  had  been 
founded,  and  though  there  was  no  direct  mention  of  you,  yet, 
as  I  had  learned  from  other  quarters  that  they  were  looking 
out  for  a  successor  to  you  in  the  task  of  instructing  the  chil- 
dren of  your  most  illustrious  prince,  it  was  not  difficult  to 
conjecture  that  some  other  functions  had  been  imposed  on 
you,  that,  in  fine,  you  were  to  be  a  public  professor  in  the 
new  academy.  If  I  had  dared  to  raise  in  you  some  expecta- 
tions of  a  matter  then  doubtful,  but  which  is  now  certain, 
perhaps  the  situation  might  have  pleased  you.  But  I  could 
at  that  time  promise  nothing  except  without  due  considera- 
tion. Now,  however,  I  repent,  and  am  grieved  that  I  did  not 
go  the  length  of  rashness.  I  have  at  last  obtained  of  the 
senate  that  professors  of  three  languages  should  be  appointed, 
not  with  those  ample  salaries,  it  is  true,  which  are  given  in 
Germany,  but  such,  however,  as  are  sufficient  to  maintain  me 
and  my  colleagues  in  a  modest  mediocrity.  The  emoluments 
of  which  I  spoke  to  you  would  have  been  added.  Thus  you 
should  have  had  a  decent  competency.  The  grief  for  having 
been  unable  to  secure  your  services  prevents  me  from  fully 
congratulating  you  on  the  subject  of  the  situation  which  you 

'At  the  request  of  Calvin,  three  chairs,  of  Hebrew,  of  Greek,  and  of  Latin,  with  a 
salary  of  280  florins,  had  just  been  established  at  Geneva,  Theodore  Beza  and  Ta- 
gaut  filled  the  two  last,  Emmanuel  Treraelli  did  not  accept  the  first,  which  had  been 
proposed  to  him. 


1558.]  THE    ADMIRAL    DE    COLIGNY.  465 

have  obtained.  And,  if  even  still  it  should  be  in  your  power 
to  come  among  us,  you  would  have  a  much  wider  field  here 
for  your  labours  in  promoting  the  welfare  of  the  church.  But 
in  the  present  uncertain  and  almost  hopeless  state  of  the  af- 
fair, I  dare  not  entreat  you. 

Farewell,  most  accomplished  sir  and  respected  brother. 
Your  friends  pray  for  all  prosperity  to  you.  May  the  Lord 
always  protect,  govern,  and  bless  both  you  and  your  wife.  As 
your  successor  is  also  one  of  our  friends,  I  beg  you  to  salute 
him  in  my  name. 

[Lat.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.     Yol.  107  a.] 


DXII. — To  the  Admiral  de  Coligny.1 

Captivity  of  the  Admiral,  and  congratulations  on  the  constancy  which  he  displays  in 

adversity. 

Geneva,  ith  September  1558. 

Monseigneur, — I  trust  that  having  read  the  present  letter, 
inasmuch  as  it  will  furnish  you  with  a  proof  of  the  extent  of 
the  interest  I  take  in  your  salvation,  you  will  not  feel  of- 
fended that  I  have  written  it  to  you  I  would  not  have  delayed 
so  long  in  discharging  this  duty,  had  I  had  as  easy  access  to 
you  as  I  have  on  the  present  occasion.  I  shall  not  make  any 
longer  excuses,  being  convinced  that  the  reverence  in  which 
you  hold  my  Master,  will  cause  you  to  find  good  whatever 

1  Gaspard  de  Coligny,  Seigneur  of  Chatillon,  and  Admiral  of  France,  was  born  the 
16th  of  February  1516,  and  died  the  24th  of  August  1572.  Having  been  instructed  in 
letters  by  Nicholas  de  Bertaut,  in  his  early  youth  even,  he  took  a  brilliant  part  in  the 
wars  of  Italy,  and  deserved  to  be  counted  among  the  most  illustrious  captains  of  his 
age.  Taken  prisoner  by  the  Spaniards  in  the  town  of  St.  Quentin,  after  a  heroic 
defence,  (27th  August  1557,)  and  conducted  to  the  fortress  of  l'Ecluse  in  Flanders,  he 
there  fell  seriously  ill  and  found  consolations  only  in  reading  pious  books.  Thus  arose 
in  the  heart  of  the  Admiral  the  faith  for  which  he  was  destined  henceforth  to  live  and 
to  die  and  of  which  we  find  the  expression  in  the  memoirs,  composed  during  his  cap- 
tivity :  "All  the  comfort  which  I  have  is  that  which,  it  seems  to  me.  all  Christians 
ought  to  take;  namely,  that  such  mysteries  do  not  take  place  without  the  permission 
and  will  of  God,  which  is  always  good,  holy,  and  reasonable,  and  which  does  nothing 
without  just  reasons,  of  which  however  I  know  not  the  cause,  and  of  which  also  I 
have  no  great  need  to  enquire,  but  rather  to  humble  myself  before  him  in  conforming 
myself  to  his  will."  Informed  no  doubt  by  D'Andelot  of  the  disposition  of  the  Ad- 
miral, Calvin  hastened  to  write  to  him  a  first  letter  of  encouragement  and  consolation. 

59 


466  THE   ADMIRAL    DE    COLIGNY.  [1558. 

you  shall  see  proceeding  from  him,  and  laid  before  you  in  his 
name.  Neither  shall  I  employ  any  long  exhortations  to  con- 
firm you  in  patience,  because  I  am  of  opinion,  nay,  I  have 
heard,  that  our  heavenly  Father  has  so  fortified  you  by  the 
power  of  his  Spirit,  that  I  have  occasion  rather  to  give  him 
praise  for  his  kindness  than  to  urge  you  to  greater  efforts. 
And  in  fact  here  it  is  that  true  greatness  of  mind  should  make 
itself  manifest;  viz.,  in  overcoming  all  our  passions,  in  order 
not  only  to  gain  the  victory  over  them,  but  to  offer  a  true  sac- 
rifice of  obedience  to  God.  Now,  it  is  not  enough  to  shew 
ourselves  valiant,  and  not  to  faint  or  lose  heart  in  adversity, 
unless  we  keep  this  in  view,  to  submit  ourselves  entirely  to 
the  will  of  God,  and  acquiesce  in  it  peaceably.  But  since  he 
lias  already  bestowed  on  you  such  constancy,  I  have  no  occa- 
sion, as  I  have  said,  to  exhort  you  to  it.  Only  I  pray  you  to 
let  me  call  your  attention  to  one  thing  more,  which  is,  that 
God  in  sending  you  this  affliction  has  intended  to  set  you 
apart,  as  it  were,  that  you  might  listen  to  him  more  attentively. 
For  you  know  but  too  well  how  difficult  a  thing  it  is,  in  the 
midst  of  worldly  honours,  riches,  and  power  to  lend  to  him  an 
attentive  ear,  because  these  things  draw  our  attention  too 
much  in  different  directions,  and  as  it  were  absorb  us,  unless 
he  make  use  of  such  means  as  the  present  of  bringing  under 
his  wings  those  whom  he  has  chosen  for  his  own.  Not  that 
dignities,  high  place,  and  temporal  blessings  are  incompatible 
with  the  fear  of  God,  seeing  that  even  in  proportion  as  he  ex- 
alts men  he  gives  them  an  opportunity  of  drawing  still  closer 
to  him,  and  of  feeling  a  stronger  impulse  to  honour  and  serve 
him  :  but  I  believe  you  have  experienced  that  those  who  stand 
highest  in  worldly  rank,  are  so  occupied  and  as  it  were  held 
captive  by  it,  that  it  is  with  much  ado  they  find  leisure  to  set 
about  in  good  earnest  the  principal  study,  which  is  that  of 
doing  homage  to  God,  dedicating  themselves  fully  to  him,  and 
aspiring  after  the  heavenly  life.  Wherefore,  Monseigneur,  I 
entreat  you,  inasmuch  as  God  has  afforded  you  this  opportunity 
of  making  progress  in  his  school  as  if  he  wished  to  whisper 
secretly  in  your  ear,  to  give  good  heed  so  as  to  savour  better 
than  ever,  to  feel  the  real  worth  of  his  doctrine,  how  precious 


1558.]  THE   ADMIRAL    DE   COLIGNY.  467 

and  desirable  it  ought  to  seem  to  us,  and  to  devote  your  leisure 
to  the  reading  of  his  holy  word,  that  you  may  derive  instruc- 
tion therefrom  and  become  more  deeply  rooted  in  faith,  so  as 
thereby  to  be  fortified  for  the  rest  of  your  life  to  struggle 
against  all  temptations. 

You  know  what  corruptions  every  where  prevail,  so  much 
the  more  should  the  children  of  God  be  ever  on  their  guard 
not  to  mingle  in  them,  lest  they  share  in  their  pollution. 
True  it  is  that  in  our  days  every  thing  will  be  tolerated  rather 
than  the  resolution  to  honour  God  in  purity,  so  that  you  cannot 
render  him  faithful  service  without  being  forced  to  endure  many 
murmurs  and  threats.  But  for  that  reason  the  honour  of  God 
should  claim  from  you  so  peculiar  a  privilege  that  every  thing 
else  ought  to  be  held  vile  in  comparison,  and  his  favour  cer- 
tainly deserves  to  merit  the  preference  over  that  of  all  his 
creatures.  We  have  one  great  advantage,  that  if  we  are  weak, 
he  has  promised  to  supply  of  his  power  what  is  a  wanting  in  us, 
as  indeed  our  real  arms  are  in  every  thing  to  fly  to  him  for 
refuge,  entreating  him  to  be  our  strength.  For  the  rest,  Mon- 
seigneur,  though  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  things  appertain- 
ing to  his  reign  should  always  hold  the  first  place  in  our 
esteem,  trust  likewise  in  the  promise  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
that  the  rest  shall  be  added  thereto.  Thus  doubt  not,  in  giving 
vourself  up  to  the  service  of  God,  but  that  you  shall  feel  his 
blessing  in  every  thing,  and  that  he  will  prove  to  you  what 
care  he  takes  of  his  children  to  bestow  on  them  what  is  fitting 
even  for  this  transitory  life,  just  as  on  the  other  hand  there  is 
no  true  prosperity  without  his  grace,  and  even  when  those 
who  withdraw  from  him  fancy  they  have  gained  every  thing, 
they  feel  in  the  end  that  their  success  has  been  converted  into 
misfortune.  But  as  these  things  are  not  easily  admitted  by 
human  reason,  you  have  need  to  exercise  yourself  by  reading, 
as  I  fancy  you  do,  and  are  resolved  to  continue  doing. 

Whereupon,  Monseigneur,  having  humbly  commended  me 
to  your  indulgent  favour,  I  supplicate  our  heavenly  Father 
to  have  you  in  his  holy  keeping,  to  direct  you  by  his  Spirit, 
to  fortify  you  in  all  virtue,  and  deliver  you  speedily,  so  that 
we  may  have  wherewithal  to  give  him  thanks. 
[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107.] 


468  MADAME   DE   COLIGNY.  [1558. 


DXIII. — To  Madame  de  Coligny.' 

Utility  of  the  afflictions  dealt  out  to  the  children  of  God. 

4th  September  1558. 

Madame, — If  the  sorrow  which  the  capture  of  your  husband 
has  caused  you  has  been  painful  and  bitter,  I  trust  never- 
theless, that  you  have  in  part  recognized  by  the  effects  which 
it  has  produced  that  God  has  sent  you  this  affliction  only  for 
your  good  and  your  spiritual  welfare,  and  this  consideration 
it  is  which  ought  to  mitigate  your  distress,  and  render  you 
patient  and  submissive  to  the  will  of  God.  For  it  is  conso- 
ling to  recognize  that  not  only  he  tries  our  faith,  but  also 
that,  in  withdrawing  us  from  the  allurements  and  delights  of 
the  world  which  deceive  us,  he  lets  us  taste  his  bounty  and 
feel  his  aid,  by  gathering  us  as  it  were  under  his  wings,  that 
we  may  say  with  David  that  our  supreme  good  is  to  cleave 
to  him.  Indeed,  when  all  goes  well  with  us,  it  is  hard  to  pre- 
vent our  minds  in  their  wantonness  from  going  astray  ;  and 
it  is  a  miracle,  which  falls  out  seldom,  that  those  who  have 
long  basked  in  prosperity  hold  on  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 
And  that  is  the  reason  why,  to  keep  his  children  in  restraint, 
he  sends  them  divers  afflictions.  We  see  that  even  David 
had  need  of  such  a  medicine,  as  he  confesses  that  when  he 
was  at  his  ease  he  had  more  confidence  in  himself  than  was 
lawful,  no  longer  thinking  that  all  his  virtue  was  to  lean 
upon  God.    And  I  make  no  doubt  but  for  a  year  past  you  have 

1  We  read  in  the  Prayer  Book  (Livre  d'heures)  of  Louisa  de  Coligny  these  words, 
written  by  the  hand  of  the  admiral,  her  father  : — "  The  xvith  day  of  October  1547» 
Gaspard  de  Coligny,  seigneur  of  Chatillon  and  since  admiral  of  France,  was  married 
at  Fontainebleau  in  first  marriage  to  Charlotte  de  Laval."  Then  after  the  enumera- 
tion of  the  children  which  sprung  from  this  union,  we  read  the  following  words  : — 
"The  iiid  of  March  1568,  died  Madame  l'Aniiralc,  their  mother,  ...  at  Orleans." 
Tleroic  and  pious  soul,  Charlotte  de  Laval  was  worthy  of  uniting  her  destiny  with  that  of 
Coligny.  "  This  lady,"  says  a  historian,  "  had  always  been  much  attached  to  religion, 
and  possessed  of  the  highest  constancy  in  supporting  her  own  afflictions  and  those  of 
her  husband.  Among  the  other  virtues  and  gifts  of  mind  which  rendered  her  recom- 
mendable,  the  care  which  she  took  of  the  poor  and  the  sick,  and  her  alms,  were  sin- 
gularly praiseworthy."      Vie  de  I'Amiral  de  Coligny,  Amsterdam,  1643. 


469 


1558.]  MADAME    DE   COLIGNY. 

proved  that  this  chastisement  has  been  more  profitable  to  you 
than  you  could   have    supposed  before  you  experienced  it. 
Doubtless    though    we    feel    that,    what  are  called  adversities 
are  common  to  us   with  unbelievers  and   profane  people  en- 
tirely given  up  to  the  world,  nevertheless,  God  blesses  those 
which  we  have  to  suffer,  turning  them   to  such  account  that 
we  have  always  matter   for  consolation  and  rejoicing  in  our 
sorrows.     You  cannot  but   recognize,  also,  that   he  has  been 
pleased  to  spare  you,  for  you  see  how  much  more  harshly  he 
deals  with  many  others,  who  have  not  for  all  that   any  miti- 
gation in  their  afflictions.     And  it  is  that  you  may  more  at 
your  ease  draw  profit  from  such  an   admonition   in   order 
not  to  dwell  upon  any  advantages  or  honours  of  the  world  ; 
and  even  when  he  shall  be  pleased  to  remove  you  farther  from 
them  than  he  has  done  hitherto,  to  beware  that  your  heart  be 
not  entangled  by  them,  but  that  you  so  use  temporal  blessings 
that  they  be  no  obstacle  to  your  looking  beyond  them.     And 
in  fact,  though   everything  should   turn   out  to  our  wishes, 
without  our  ever  experiencing  any  vexations,  the  shortness  of 
our  life  sufficiently  proves  to  us  what  a  poor  resting  place  we 
have  here  below.      However  that  may  be,  Madame,  be  not 
weary  in  serving  so  good  a  Master,  and  submitting  to  so  good 
a  Father,  knowing  that  all  our  wisdom  consists   in  suffering 
ourselves  to  be  governed  by  him,  waiting   till  he  receive  us 
into  his  eternal  rest.    And  though  in  our  times  it  is  so  odious 
a  thing  to   honour   him   in   purity,  choose  rather  to  irritate 
every  one  against  you,  in   order  to  be  well  pleasing  to  him 
alone,  than  to  turn  aside  from  the  right   path  to  avoid  the 
animosities  and  murmurs   of  the   world.     And,  in  fact,  it  is 
but  just  that  we  should  be  dedicated  to  him   who  has  ran- 
somed us  at  such  a  price,  and  according  to  the  love  he  has 
borne  us,  we  should  esteem  his  grace  more  highly  than  all 
the  favours  of  the  world. 

Whereupon,  Madame,  having  humbly  commended  me  to 
your  kind  favour,  I  will  supplicate  our  heavenly  Father  to 
have  you  in  his  holy  keeping,  to  direct  you  by  his  Spirit,  to 
increase  you  in  all  spiritual  blessings,  and  to  strengthen  you 
with  a  constancy  not  to  be  overcome. 

[Fr.  copy— Library  of  Paris,  Dupuy.     Vol.  102.] 


470  THE   BRETHREN    OF    METZ.  [1558. 


DXIV. — To  the  Brethren  of  Metz.1 

Measures  proper  to  assure  the  free  exercise  of  Evangelical  worship  in  their  city. 

10th  September  1558. 

Dearly  beloved  Seigneurs  and  Brethren, — After 
having  heard  M.  de  Dommartin  and  seen  the  advertisement 
which  you  have  sent  us  in  writing,  we  are  of  opinion  that  you 
could  not  do  better  than  begin  to  assemble  yourselves  in  the 
name  of  God  for  the  purpose  of  praying  to  him,  as  well  as 
for  receiving  instruction  from  his  word  ;  for  that  will  be  on 
your  part,  an  act  of  taking  possession,  and  will  give  an  open- 
ing for  the  succour  of  which  you  stand  in  need,  namely,  that 
the  Count  Palatine  and  the  other  princes  should  interfere; 
for  if  you  do  not  give  them  some  feasible  pretext  by  your 
proceedings  on  the  spot,  be  assured  that  their  measures  will 
be  very  languid,  however  much  they  may  be  urged.  In  the 
first  place,  we  do  not  know  whether  it  will  be  possible  to 
induce  the  Count  Palatine  to  supplicate  the  king  to  grant  you 
such  liberty,  because  that  step  would  be  a  kind  of  approval 
on  his  part  of  the  usurpation  which  has  taken  place  in  what 
respects  the  police.  But  let  us  suppose  that  that  point  were 
gained,  reflect  whether  it  would  not  retard  rather  than  ad- 
vance matters,  for  a  request  is  soon  refused,  and  a  secretary 

'  See  Vol.  i.  p.  381.     Note  2. 

The  10th  of  April  1550,  an  important  revolution  was  accomplished  at  Metz.  The 
Constable  de  Montmorency  took  possession  of  this  town  in  the  name  of  the  king  of 
France,  after  having  guarantied  to  its  inhabitants  the  maintenance  of  their  privileges 
as  members  of  the  Empire.  The  lot  of  the  Protestants  of  Metz,  already  deprived  of 
the  public  exercise  of  their  religion,  became  then  more  rigorous.  Thej'  continued, 
notwithstanding,  to  form  secret  assemblies,  "  so  encouraging  one  another,  that  in 
spite  of  the  great  disasters  that  had  befallen  their  town,  they  determined  not  to  stir 
from  it,  but  there  to  await  in  patience  the  favour  of  God.  The  number  of  the  Reformed 
party  increased  from  day  to  day,  and  several  noblemen  of  the  country,  especially  the 
Seigneurs  de  Dommartin  and  de  Clervant,  baring  joined  them,  they  resolved,  in  1558, 
openly  to  declare  themselves,  in  having  recourse  to  the  intervention  of  the  German 

pi  ii b  to  obtain  from  the  king  of  France  the  free  exercise  of  their  worship,  such  as 

it  had  been  guarantied  to  them,  by  the  stipulation  of  1543."  Beza,  torn.  iii.  p.  438 
and  the  following. 


1558.]  THE    BRETHREN   OF    METZ.  471 

would  easily  find  plausible  pretexts  for  playing  fast  and  loose. 
In  the  mean  time,  the  king  would  get  up  some  intrigues  in 
your  town  for  breaking  off  the  enterprise,  so  that  you  would 
be  farther  from  your  object  than  ever.  For  which  reason  it 
is  altogether  necessary  to  enter  on  possession,  in  order  to  ob- 
tain aid  and  protection  from  the  princes.  For  the  rest  we 
are  inclined  to  think  that  the  two  things  should  be  done 
simultaneously  ;  that  is,  that  when  you  shall  begin  at  home  to 
testify  the  desire  you  have  to  be  instructed  in  the  pure  doc- 
trine of  the  gospel,  you  should  have  a  man  to  solicit  for  you 
of  the  princes  that  they  would  take  your  cause  in  hand.  We 
see  clearly  that  the  order  they  have  issued,  forbidding  you  to 
assemble,  will  be  an  obstacle  against  your  venturing  to  begin 
without  being  assured  of  support.  But  you  must  get  over 
this  "temptation  if  it  is  possible.  For  if  you  do  not  assume 
boldness  to  declare  yourselves,  you  will  find  no  prince  dis- 
posed to  interfere,  and  at  the  same  time  the  measures,  such 
as  are  adopted  at  present,  will  stand  you  in  very  little  stead. 
For  the  rest,  if  they  vex  or  molest  you  for  acting  in  oppo- 
sition to  the  prohibition,  your  excuse  will  be  that  you  do 
not  conceive  you  have  given  any  offence,  seeing  that  you  in 
no  wise  trouble  public  order,  but  only  make  use  of  the  lib- 
erty granted  you  by  the  agreement  entered  into  and  settled 
in  the  year  1543,  of  which  it  is  your  intention  to  avail  your- 
selves, considering  even  that  what  was  lately  decided  and 
concluded  between  the  states  is  conformable  to  it.  You  may 
also  plead  that  the  king,  in  right  of  his  protectorate,  ought  not 
to  bar  you  from  such  liberties,  and  much  less  the  council,  since 
it  forms  a  member  of  the  empire.  But,  in  the  meanwhile,  also, 
the  best  thing  in  my  opinion  will  be  to  choose  a  man  who  is 
not  a  born  subject  of  the  king,  that  they  may  not  dare  to  put 
in  practice  so  boldly  their  threats  on  him.  If  it  is  possible 
to  have  Master  Peter  Alexandre1  by  the  good  offices  of  the 
gentlemen  of  Strasbourg,  you  could  not  apply  to  a  fitter  per- 
son, because  he  is  a  burgher  of  their  town,  and  would  have 
much  greater  latitude  for  finding  fault.  And  be  persuaded 
that  there  is  not  one  of  us  who  would  not  be  ready  to  bestow 

1  Minister  of  the  French  Church  of  Strasbourg. 


472  THE   BRETHREN    OF    METZ.  [1558. 

on  you  his  services  to  the  utmost  of  his  ability.  If  there  is 
a  circumstance  which  prevents  us,  it  is  that  there  are  some 
hair-brained  persons  of  Germany,  who,  on  pretext  that  we  do 
not  acquiesce  in  their  phantasy  that  the  body  of  Jesus  Christ  is 
shut  up  in  the  bread  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  would  be  more 
hostile  to  us  than  the  Papists  themselves.  Thus  inasmuch,  as 
for  the  present  it  is  better  for  us  not  to  stir  in  the  matter,  we 
give  you  the  advice  which  we  would  take  were  we  in  your 
place.  If  it  is  difficult  to  obtain  of  the  gentlemen  of  Stras- 
bourg their  consent  to  give  to  Master  Peter  Alexandre  a  leave 
of  absence  that  he  may  go  and  attempt  such  a  solution,  it 
would  be  necessary  in  that  case  to  entreat  the  princes  to 
request  it  of  them  and  to  exhort  them  to  it ;  for  we  have  no 
doubt  that  the  former  will  comply  with  the  princes'  demand, 
being  so  authorized.  You  have  there  the  substance  of  the 
proceedings  which  we  think  the  most  suitable  and  expedient. 
And  because  the  difficulty  may  cause  you  to  procrastinate,  we 
entreat  you  to  consider,  since  it  is  God's  work,  that  you  ought 
not  to  set  about  it  timidly,  and  you  ought  also  to  put  your 
trust  in  God  that  he  will  work  by  the  efficacy  of  his  power  to 
give  to  it  a  better  issue  than  you  can  imagine,  since  the  two 
things  which  he  esteems  most  precious  are  his  honour  and  the 
welfare  of  his  church.  Doubt  not  when  you  shall  labour  to 
re-establish  his  service,  and  cause  him  to  be  worshipped  in 
purity  among  you,  and  at  the  same  time  that  the  doctrine  of 
life  shall  be  preached — doubt  not,  I  say,  but  he  will  strengthen 
your  hands,  and  if  fear  has  hitherto  prevented  you  from  doing 
your  duty,  and  has  shut  the  door  of  your  city  against  the  holy 
truth  of  God,  bestir  yourselves  so  much  the  more  to  make  up 
for  past  faults.  On  our  part,  as  we  can  do  nothing  better,  we 
will  strive  along  with  you  in  prayer,  and  supplicate  God  the 
Father  of  mercies  to  have  you  in  his  holy  keeping,  to  increase 
you  in  all  spiritual  gifts,  to  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  and  to 
strengthen  you  with  invincible  constancy  to  glorify  him. 
[Fr.  copy — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107.] 


1558.]  THE   MINISTERS    OF   NEUCHATEL.  473 


DXV. — To  the  Ministers  of  Neuchatel.1 

He  deplores  the  marriage  of  Farel,  in  recalling  to  their  minds  the  glorious  services 
which  he  has  rendered  to  the  cause  of  truth. 

Geneva,  26th  September  1558. 

Beloved  Brethren, — I  am  in  such  perplexity  that  I  do 
not  know  how  to  begin  my  letter  to  you.  It  is  certain  that 
poor  Master  William  has  been  for  once  so  ill-advised  that  we 
cannot  but  blush  for  his  weakness.  But  as  the  matter  stands, 
I  do  not  see  the  possibility  of  applying  to  the  evil  such 
a  remedy  as,  by  what  I  hear,  has  been  contemplated.  For 
since  there  is  no  law  which  forbids  such  a  marriage,  to  break 
it  off  when  it  is  contracted  is,  I  am  afraid,  beyond  our 
power.  Unquestionably,  we  should  thus  increase  the  scan- 
dal. Were  it  a  private  person,  I  should  be  less  at  a  loss 
for  means.  As  it  is,  what  will  the  sneerers  say,  and  what 
will  the  simple  think,  but  that  the  preachers  wish  to  have  a 
law  for  themselves;  and  that,  in  favour  of  their  profession,  they 
violate  the  most  indissoluble  tie  iu  the  world?  For  though 
you  have  another  object  in  view,  yet  men  will  believe  that 
you  assume  a  privilege  above  others,  as  if  you  were  not  sub- 
ject to  the  law  and  the  common  rule.  If  people  had  been  in- 
formed in  time  of  the  fact,  it  would   have   been   their  duty  to 

1  To  my  well  beloved  brethren,  the  pastors  and  ministers  of  the  Church  of  Xeu- 
chatel. — Farel  after  having  lived  in  a  state  of  celibacy  to  a  very  advanced  age,  was 
on  the  point  of  marrying  Mary  Torel,  daughter  of  a  refugee  of  Rouen. — "  This  mar- 
riage," says  the  author  of  the  unpublished  life  of  Farel,  "was  deemed  very  strange  and 
unseasonable  by  most  people,  and  it  seemed  to  them  that  since  Farel  had  attained  the 
age  of  sixty  nine  years  without  having  thought  of  marriage,  he  might  easily  have 
dispensed  with  it  now  that  he  was  on  the  brink  of  the  tomb.  Farel  was  even  a  good 
deal  molested  by  the  censures  of  his  friends  and  the  different  rumours  of  the  public. 
It  was  the  opinion  of  all,  that  his  intention  was  to  provide  against  the  infirmities  of 
old  age,  by  the  means  which  God  himself  has  ordained."  The  bans  of  this  marriage, 
which  the  friends  of  the  old  Reformer  disapproved  of  so  greatly,  written  by  his  own 
hand,  still  exist  in  the  library  of  the  pastors  of  Neuchatel.  '•  May  God  bless  the 
promise  of  marriage  between  William  Farel  and  Mary,  daughter  of  the  late  Alexander 
Torel.  of  the  town  of  Rouen.  Published  the  11th  September,  the  25th  September,  and 
the  2d  October.  Married  on  Tuesday  20th  December  (before  Christmas)  1558. 
60 


474  THE    MINISTERS    OF    NEUCHATEL.  [1558. 

prevent  this  foolish  enterprise,  as  they  would  that  of  a  man 
who  had  lost  his  wits  ;  but  to  make  matters  worse,  he  was  so 
very  precipitate  that  we  can  by  no  means  obviate  the  conse- 
quences of  his  fall.  Examine  deliberately  whether  it  be  a 
suitable  remedy  to  break  off  a  marriage  which  is  already  con- 
tracted. If  it  be  alleged  that  such  a  promise,  being  contrary 
to  the  order  and  seemliness  of  nature,  ought  not  to  be  kept, 
reflect  whether  this  defect  is  not  to  be  tolerated  like  many 
others  which  cannot  be  remedied.  Half  a  year  ago  our  poor 
brother  would  have  declared  that  they  should  have  bound 
like  a  madman  the  person  who  at  so  advanced  an  age  desired 
to  marry  so  young  a  woman.  But  the  deed  being  accom- 
plished, it  is  by  no  means  so  easy  to  annul  it.  For  my  own 
part,  as  I  did  not  see  how  he  could  be  freed  from  his  engage- 
ment, nor  any  means  that  we  could  employ  for  that  purpose, 
I  told  him  that  it  was  better  to  terminate  the  affair  promptly, 
than  by  delaying  it  to  occasion  a  great  deal  more  of  foolish 
gossip.  If  there  had  been  fraud  or  circumvention  on  either 
side,  your  remedy  for  it  would  have  been  good  and  suitable; 
but  since  the  only  objection  that  can  be  raised  is  the  inequality 
of  their  years,  I  consider  this  fact  as  an  evil  that  cannot  be 
cured.  It  is  for  that  reason  that,  after  having  made  him  suf- 
ficiently sharp  reproaches,  I  forbore  to  say  any  thing  more  to 
him  on  the  subject,  for  fear  of  reducing  him  to  despair  alto- 
gether. And,  in  fact,  I  have  always  feared  and  conjectured 
that  the  consequences  which  I  had  anticipated  from  this  affair 
would  occasion  his  death.  If  at  least  he  had  followed  my 
advice  not  to  quit  the  spot — a  milder  and  more  moderate 
course  might  have  been  adopted  towards  him.  Now  his  ab- 
sence is  the  cause  why  they  have  proceeded  against  him  with 
greater  severity  and  violence  ;  for  which  I  feel  a  double  com- 
passion for  him.  But  I  blush  at  the  same  time,  inasmuch  as 
it  would  seem  to  have  been  his  wish  to  shut  himself  out  from 
all  remedy.  Nevertheless,  I  cannot  help  entreating  you  to  re- 
member how  he  has  employed  himself,  during  the  space  of 
thirty-six  years  and  more,  in  serving  God  and  edifying  his 
church,  how  profitable  his  labours  have  been,  with  what  zeal 
he  laboured,  and  even  what  advantages  you  have  derived  from 


1558.]  FAREL.  475 

him.  Let  that  dispose  you  to  some  indulgence,  not  to  approve 
of  the  evil,  but  at  least  not  to  proceed  with  extreme  rigour. 
Meanwhile,  as  it  does  not  belong  to  me  to  point  out  to  you 
your  line  of  conduct,  I  shall  only  pray  God  to  conduct  you 
in  the  matter  with  such  prudence  and  discretion  that  the 
scandal  may  be  hushed  up  and  produce  as  little  evil  as  pos- 
sible, and  that  our  poor  brother  be  not  overwhelmed  with 
sorrow. 

I  beg  to  be  humbly  commended  to  the  superiors  of  your 
city,  to  whom  I  have  abstained  from  writing,  because  I  am 
dumb  with  astonishment.  Meanwhile,  I  will  again  pray  our 
God  and  Father,  that  he  may  have  you  in  his  keeping,  in- 
crease you  in  every  good,  strengthen  you  in  every  virtue,  to 
the  end  that  his  name  may  be  always  glorified  in  you. 
Your  humble  brother, 

Johx  Calvin. 
[Ft:  copy. — Collection  of  Colonel  Henry  Tronchin  at  Geneva.] 


DXVI— To  Farel.1 

He  makes  an  excuse  for  not  being  able  to  be  present  at  the  marriage  of  his  friend. 

Geneva.  September  1558. 

When  I  told  you  to  your  face  that  I  would  come  neither  to 
your  espousals  nor  your  marriage,  both  because  it  was  a 
thing  not  possible,  and  because  I  judged  it  inexpedient,  I 
am  surprised  what  your  new  invitation  can  mean.  Had  I 
the  greatest  desire  to  comply  with  your  wishes,  I  am  never- 
theless prevented  by  several  causes.  You  know  that  Macaire 
is  absent.  Raymond  and  another  of  my  colleagues  still 
keep  their  beds.  The  rest  of  us  can  scarcely  meet  the  addi- 
tional burden  imposed  on  us.     Certainly  I  cannot  absent  my- 

lBy  a  letter  of  the  5th  September,  Farel  had  invited  Calvin  to  come  to  his  mar- 
riage. This  matrimonial  missive,  of  which  the  terms  betrayed  a  slight  embarrassment, 
concluded  with  these  words: — "  Farewell,  and  aid  us  with  your  prayers  that  God  may 
look  upon  us  with  a  propitious  eye.  by  whose  hand  it  behoves  us  to  be  supported 
lest  we  stumble  before  we  reach  the  mark." 


476  FAREL.  [1558. 

self  without  causing  interruption  to  our  meetings  for  public 
worship.  In  such  a  perturbation  of  affairs  the  senate  would 
never  permit  me  to  withdraw  to  any  distance  from  the  city.  You 
see  clearly  then  if  I  could  readily,  and  without  serious  losses, 
undertake  a  journey.  But,  should  no  obstacle  stand  in  my 
way,  yet  as  my  coming  would  afford  an  admirable  handle  for 
the  ungodly  and  the  badly  disposed  to  vent  their  malice  in 
evil  speaking,  you  neither  seem  to  do  prudently  in  inviting 
me,  nor  should  I  act  with  due  consideration  if  I  complied 
with  your  wishes.  I  wish  you  had  rather  followed  the  plan 
which  you  had  approved  of,  which  was  to  hasten  your  espou- 
sals, so  that  they  might  have  taken  place  at  least  immediately 
after  your  return.  Now,  by  putting  them  off,  I  do  not  doubt 
but  you  have  occasioned  much  clandestine  talking,  which 
will  break  out  more  freely  afterwards.  For  you  are  much 
mistaken  in  thinking  that  the  affair  is  quite  a  secret.  When 
Be  Collonge  lately  passed  through  your  neighbourhood,  the 
minister  of  Bonneville  knew  it.  Know,  then,  that  many  who 
pretend  to  be  ignorant  of  it  are  privately  whispering  about 
it.  I  myself,  when  I  thought  that  the  matter  was  fairly 
brought  to  a  conclusion,  admonished  my  colleagues  to  check 
the  scandal  as  much  as  lay  in  their  power  by  their  temperate 
conversation.  At  the  same  time  I  besought  them  not  to  give 
publicity  to  the  fact;  and  lately,  when  at  my  request  Jon- 
villers  made  enquiries  of  Cherpon,  how  people  had  been 
affected  by  what  had  taken  place,  I  wished  to  be  relieved  of 
a  part  of  my  anxiety.  He  who  held  the  pen  for  me  did  not 
know  the  drift  of  my  question.  But  I  was  under  the  impres- 
sion that  all  the  business  had  been  completely  gone  through. 
That  you  should  openly  busy  yourself  with  the  cause  of  Metz1 
would  not  be,  in  my  judgment,  a  very  prudent  deliberation. 
I  explained  to  you  in  a  letter  my  reasons,  which  I  am  confi- 
dent were  more  fully  communicated  to  you  by  the  counsel. 
I  confess  that  though  I  did  not  think  Peter  Alexandre  a  very 
suitable  person,  I  was  obliged  to  name  him.  I  do  not  know 
if  the  time  will  be  very  seasonable  now,  because  the  new 
emperor  is  said  to  threaten   the  Protestants  because  they  do 

1  See  the  letter,  p.  470. 


1558.]  PETER   TOUSSAIN.  477 

not  contribute  supplies  to  aid  him  in  carrying  on  his  war 
with  the  Turks.  It  will  be  necessary,  however,  to  attempt 
something,  for  they  will  perhaps  be  excited  by  his  threats  to 
collect  their  forces. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

[Lat.  copy — Archives  of  Mr.  Ti-onchin.] 


DXVIL— To  Peter  Toussain.1 

Complaints  of  the  intolerance  of  Peter  Toussain  towards  some  ministers  of  the  coun- 
try of  Montbeliard. 

Geneva,  12th  October  1558. 

The  bearer  will  present  you  my  excuses  for  the  short- 
ness of  this  letter.  He  partly  saw  how  little  I  was  spared 
between  the  attacks  of  a  quartan  ague  and  continual 
headaches,  which  give  me  more  pain  than  the  fever  itself. 
Thus  worn  out  by  want  of  sleep  night  after  night,  I  am 
forced  to  dictate  from  my  bed  the  few  words  I  now  write  to 
you.  It  is  not  my  business  either  to  subscribe  to,  or  detract 
from  the  public  acts  by  which  you  wished  to  prove  that  the 
brethren  have  not,  as  they  complain,  been  violently  and  un- 
justly expelled  by  you.  But  as  they  publicly  assert  many 
things  of  which  no  mention  is  made  in  the  acts,  so  intricate  a 

1  See  the  letter  p.  435. 

Accused  by  Calvin  of  having  suggested  to  this  prince  intolerant  measures,  Toussain 
tried  to  justify  himself  by  two  letters,  addressed  to  the  Reformer.  In  the  former  he 
represented  himself  as  having  nothing  to  do  with  the  banishment  of  the  ministers  who 
were  expelled  by  a  competent  authority,  for  not  having  consented  to  subscribe  there- 
ligious  formulary  of  the  country.  In  the  second  he  repudiated  more  directly  the 
reproaches  of  Calvin  : — "I  confess  you  would  have  had  just  cause  of  being  offended 
with  ine.  if  those  things  were  true,  which  I  perceive  have  been  related  to  you  by  per- 
sons ill  disposed  towards  me.  But  when  I  never  coupled  your  name  with  that  of 
Osiander  or  Zwenefeld,  nor  ever  conspired  with  any  of  your  enemies  against  you,  nor 
condemned  of  folly  nor  sedition  any  person  exposed  to  the  executioner,  nor  ever 
knowingly  injured  you  in  anything,  but  always  from  my  heart  wished  you  well  .  .  . 
you  have  had  hitherto  no  cause,  in  my  judgment,  for  alienating  yourself  from  me." 
4th  April  1557.  A  letter  of  Toussain's  to  Calvin,  of  the  22d  November,  closes  with 
these  words  : — "  I  honour  you  from  the  heart,  and  pray  that  God  may  long  preserve 
you  to  spread  the  kingdom  of  Christ."     Libr.  of  Geneva.     Vol.  110. 


478  PETER   TOUSSAIN.  [1558. 

variety  of  circumstances  keeps  me  yet  in  suspense.  I  have 
always  wished  that  your  controversies  had  been  finished  by 
a  free  explanation,  as  the  ecclesiastical  method  of  proceeding 
required.  Whosoever  belonging  to  our  order  recoils  from  this 
manner  of  settling  the  question,  evinces  that  he  aims  at  more 
than  is  permitted  to  a  servant  of  Christ,  and  his  distrust  marks 
an  evil  cause  and  an  evil  conscience.  Certainly  when  from  the 
beginning  you  excluded  me  from  your  counsels,  and  in  the 
meantime  I  saw  your  contests  finished  by  the  exile  of  the 
brethren;  though  I  had  not  an  opportunity  of  thoroughly 
examining  the  cause,  I  might  well  be  justified  in  entertaining 
some  suspicions.  But  the  evil  to  which  I  could  bring  no 
remedy  I  thought  was  not  to  be  hunted  up.  For  though  many 
urged  me,  I  preferred  to  remain  quiet,  rather  than  by  trying 
vain  remedies  to  increase  the  troubles. 

At  length,  by  reiterated  demands,  certain  pious  men  wrung 
from  me  my  consent  to  write  to  the  prince.  And  I  wish  that 
a  legitimate  investigation, of  these  matters  had  but  once  been 
set  on  foot.  For  I  always  saw  how  pernicious  a  thing  it  was 
for  ministers  of  the  word  to  be  charged  with  accusations  and 
reproaches,  because  thus  it  was  impossible  that  the  authority 
of  doctrine  should  not  be  shaken,  and  experience  itself  taught 
me  to  guard  against  this  danger.  Nor,  indeed,  will  you  find 
that  I  ever  by  words  or  writings  envenomed  your  dissensions, 
and  unless  you  had  yourself  barred  the  door  against  me,  I 
should  not  have  hesitated  to  interpose  my  services,  and  seek 
some  means  of  appeasing  your  discords.  But  you  are  not 
ignorant  how  odious  that  estrangement  of  yours  was,  how 
vou  coupled  my  name  with  that  of  Osiander,  Zwenefeld,  and 
others;  wherefore,  I  am  the  more  surprised  that  you  should 
now  feign  a  zeal  for  being  reconciled  with  me,  when  you 
must  feel  that  the  tie  which  connected  us  was  at  that  time 
unworthily  and  unkindly  broken  asunder  by  yourself.  God 
will  one  day  be  judge.  For  T  ask  you,  where  was  the  equity 
to  brand  with  a  mark  of  infamy  a  man — I  do  not  say  deserv- 
ing well  of  the  church,  and  faithfully  labouring  in  the  defence 
of  truth,  but  one  who  had  kept  up  a  brotherly  union,  and  even 
cultivated  a  private   intimacy   with  you?     What  made  this 


1558.]  BULLINGKR.  479 

still  more  cruel,  was  that  among  you  was  hostilely  impugned 
an  article  of  doctrine,  without  which  no  religion  nor  any  hope 
of  salvation  remains.  Besides,  you  nut  only  suffered  me  to 
be  assailed  by  your  colleague  with  the  foulest  calumnies,  and 
detracted  from  my  reputation  in  the  city,  but  they  affirm  that 

a  letter  exists,  in  which  you  exhort  the  inhabitants  of 

to  beware  of  their  heretical  neighbours,  who  make  God  the 
author  of  sin.  Behold  the  peace  you  offer,  that  plunged  in 
the  depths  of  hell,  we  should  hold  our  tongues.  Nor,  did 
your  conduct  towards  the  unfortunate  brethren  wound  me 
less  deeply,  inasmuch  as  you  did  not  spare  them,  even  when 
they  were  exposed  to  be  massacred,  but  at  one  time  declared 
that  their  dangers  were  exaggerated,  at  another  condemned 
their  zeal  as  the  effect  of  folly,  and  again  loaded  them  with 
odium  as  brands  of  sedition.  These  things,  I  resolved  to  de- 
vour in  silence,  rather  than  by  noisy  proceedings,  to  afford 
matter  for  laughter  to  my  enemies.  And  yet,  in  as  far  as  I 
am  concerned,  you  may  obtain  a  quiet  and  tranquil  situation, 
in  which  as  you  did  formerly,  and  as  God  gave  you  opportu- 
nity, you  may  build  up  the  church  in  the  orthodox  faith,  and 
the  sincere  fear  of  the  Lord.  Nor,  indeed,  shall  it  happen 
through  my  fault  that  the  gifts,  by  no  means  to  be  despised, 
with  which  God  has  endowed  you  for  the  discharge  of  the 
pastoral  office  should  ever  lie  buried.  That  you  should  per- 
suade me  that  you  are  my  friend,  when  you  conspire  with  my 
professed  enemies,  is  a  thing  scarcely  possible,  nevertheless  I 
shall  not  cease  to  pray  God  to  govern  you  by  his  Spirit,  pre- 
serve you  in  safety,  and  bless  your  labours. 

[Lut.  orig.  autogr. — Library  of  Geneva.     Vol.  107  o.] 


DXVIIL— To  Btjllinger.1 

Ecclesiastical  affairs  of  Germany — perils  of  Geneva. 

Geneva,  19th  November  1558. 

I  was  prevented  by  fever  from  writing  to  as  many  persons 

1  The  same  day  on  which,  exhausted  by  repeated  attacks  of  fever,  Calvin  wrote  to 
Bullinger,  he  addressed  at  the  same  time  to  Lismannini  and  to  Utenhuven,  two   let- 


480  BULLTNGER.  [1558. 

and  as  much  in  detail  as  Utenhoven  desired.  I  strove,  how 
ever,  more  than  my  strength  permitted  in  order  that  good  men 
might  perceive  that  I  willingly  yielded  to  their  wishes,  and 
that  I  was  by  no  means  inattentive  to  the  welfare  of  Poland. 
I  doubt  not,  however,  most  accomplished  sir  and  honoured 
brother,  but  you,  who  enjoyed  greater  leisure,  have  fully  ac- 
complished your  part  of  the  task.  For  my  part  I  could  not 
obtain  of  the  messenger  his  consent  to  accord  me  one  entire 
and  unoccupied  day.  Of  my  malady  I  have  nothing  to  com- 
municate to  you,  unless  that,  though  it  does  not  handle  me 
quite  so  roughly  as  in  the  beginning,  yet  it  is  by  no  means 
so  diminished  as  not  to  debilitate  my  strength,  and  also  ener- 
vate my  mind.  I  am  prevented  from  leaving  my  bed-room, 
and  forced  to  dispense  with  the  performance  of  almost  all 
the  duties  belonging  to  my  office.  To  these  sources  of  annoy- 
ance add  the  length  of  their  duration,  for  the  hope  of  any 
amelioration  is  very  faint,  at  least  before  the  winter  is  over. 
The  new  attacks  of  Westphal  carry  with  them  their  own 
refutation.  As  I  perceive  that  the  foolish  man  considers  it 
no  small  glory  that  I  should  enter  the  lists  with  him, — I  am 
determined  to  treat  him  with  contempt,  and  already  it  seems 
to  me  I  have  more  than  sufficiently  refuted  his  attacks.  Some 
other  one  will  be  found,  perhaps,  to  maul  him  as  he  deserves. 
Our  friend  Philip,  fatiguing  himself  with  vain  complaints, 
seeks  for  no  remedy,  and  does  not  even  admit  of  the  possi- 
bility of  finding  one,  perhaps  because  nobody  puts  his  hand 
to  the  work,  a  circumstance  which  has  always  made  me,  and 
will  always  make  me,  desire  to  have  a  conference,  on  which, 
however,  the  door  is  closed  as  long  as  you  shrink  from  it. 
It  does  not  seem  to  me  a  matter  of  great  importance  that  the 
most  equitable  among  our  adversaries  are  not  remarkable  for 


ters  filled  with  useful  directions  for  the  propagation  of  the  Reformation  in  Poland,  as- 
well  as  with  expressions  of  sorrow  for  the  new  attacks  of  which  he  was  the  object  in 
Germany  on  the  part  of  Westphal.  "  You  see  how  the  feelings  of  all  parties  are 
envenomed,  and  to  what  a  pitch  of  folly  the  followers  of  Westphal  rush  headlong  to 
their  ruin,  though  no  one  should  assail  them.  Even  men  of  moderate  character  grant 
that  it  is  our  duty  to  repel  their  turbulent  attacks.  But  to  renew  the  wounds  which 
may  again  inflame  half  forgotten  resentments  appears  to  me  contrary  to  sound  policy.'' 
Calvinus  Uteuhovio.   (MSS.  of  Geneva,  vol.  107.) 


1558.]  MELANCHTHON.  451 

the  justness  of  theiropinions ;  because  their  masters,  unless  I 
am  mistaken,  would  be  influenced  and  would  incline  to  a 
closer  connection  with  us,  and  it  is  by  the  authority  of  these 
that  the  former  are  now  kept  back.  Nay,  I  doubt  not  but 
they  are  prevented  by  fear  from  more  freely  expressing  their 
sentiments,  as  for  example,  James  Andre,  who,  in  replying  to 
Staphil,  servilely  fawns  on  his  friend  Brentz,  and  the  others. 
You  are  not  ignorant  of  the  perils  to  which  we  are  at  present 
exposed;  for  peace  being  concluded  between  the  two  kings,1 
while  they  remain  tranquil  at  home,  Savoy,  aided  by  both, 
will  turn  his  arms  against  us  for  his  own  advantage.  He 
will  be  actuated  by  an  implacable  hatred  against  this  city,  by 
whose  means  he  was  driven  from  his  dominions.  So  that 
dow,  more  than  ever,  we  stand  in  need  of  the  prayers  of  holy 
men  to  commend  us  to  the  protection  of  God. 

Farewell,  most  excellent  sir  and  respected  brother,  my  col- 
leagues and  friends  salute  you.  I  pray  you  also  to  salute  in 
my  name  all  your  fellow  pastors,  your  wife,  and  others.  May 
the  Lord  protect,  govern,  and  bless  you. — Yours, 

John  Calvin. 

Make  my  excuses,  I  entreat  you,  to  M.  Peter  Martyr,  be- 
cause he  has  not  received  any  letter  from  me  on  the  present 
occasion.     I  am  almost  worn  out  with  lassitude. 
[Lat.  orig. — Archives  of  Zurich,     Gest.  vi.  117.  p.  393.J 


DXIX. — To  Melanchthon. 

Malady  of  Calvin — formidable  coalition  of  the  kings  of  France  and  Spain  against 
Geneva — exhortations  to  fraternal  union. 

Geneva,  l§th  November  1558. 

I  am  aware,  most  distinguished  sir  and  reverend  brother, 
that  as  you  are  yourself  an  indolent  correspondent,  you  very 
good-naturedly  overlook  a  similar  want  of  punctuality  on 

1  The  peace  of  Cateau  Cambresis,  between  France  and  Spain,  was  not  signed  defin- 
itively till  the  following  year.  By  this  treaty  the  Duke  of  Savoy  again  entered  into 
possession  of  the  greater  part  of  his  states,  of  which  he  had  been  stripped  by  Fran- 
cis I. 

61 


482  MELANCHTHON.  [1558. 

the  part  of  your  friends.  I  had,  therefore,  determined  to 
plead  the  excuse  of  bad  health  for  not  writing  to  you,  but, 
that  it  gives  me  pleasure  to  pour  into  your  bosom  the  annoy- 
ances, of  which  the  burden  weighs  me  down.  As,  thank  God, 
I  have  up  to  these  years  never  been  visited  by  a  quartan  ague, 
it  required  a  fourth  attack  to  cure  me  of  my  ignorance  of  it, 
and  reveal  to  me  what  kind  of  malady  I  had  to  deal  with. 
Now,  though  I  am  ashamed  of  this  indolence,  you  will  per- 
haps be  inclined  to  excuse  me  when  you  are  made  aware  of 
what  obstacles  I  had  to  contend  with.  At  first,  when  the  fit 
came  upon  me,  as  I  was  asleep  or  in  a  dozing  mood,  it  was  no 
difficult  thing  for  it  to  steal  a  march  on  me  without  my  per- 
ceiving it,  especially  as  it  was  accompanied  with  very  trouble- 
some and  acute  pains,  to  which  I  am  but  too  well  accustomed 
from  a  long  familiarity  with  them.  But  when  the  shiver- 
ing fit  once  seized  me,  at  supper  time,  I  thought  it  quite  suf- 
ficient to  rid  myself  in  my  usual  manner  of  my  dyspepsy  by 
a  rigid  fasting.  The  following  day  as  I  was  lying  with  my 
strength  quite  prostrate,  but  relieved,  however,  and  almost 
entirely  delivered  from  the  violence  of  my  pain,  I  came  to 
my  fourth  attack,  still  a  novice  and  perfectly  ignorant  of  the 
enemy  I  had  to  grapple  with.  Nearly  six  weeks  have  now 
elapsed  since  I  became  acquainted  with  the  nature  of  my  com- 
plaint, during  which  I  have  been  in  the  hands  of  the  doctors, 
who  keep  me  shut  up  in  my  bed-room  and  pretty  generally 
confine  me  to  bed  in  which  I  am  protected  by  a  double  cover- 
let, while  every  now  and  then  they  keep  dinning  in  my  ears 
the  verse  of  Sophocles,  "  the  belly  has  become  so  hard  bound 
that  it  will  not  relax  unless  aided  by  a  clyster,"  which  is  a 
state  very  alien  to  my  usual  habits.  They  prescribe  to  me 
all  the  best  and  most  digestible  kinds  of  food,  none  of  which 
flatter  my  taste,  so  that  my  strength  gets  gradually  more  and 
more  feeble.  I  struggle  against  my  illness,  nevertheless,  and 
recruit  my  exhausted  stomach  with  the  most  insipid  of  food, 
nor  do  I  either  allow  my  loathing  to  get  the  better  of  me,  nor 
like  most  people,  do  I  coax  myself  into  an  appetite  by  em- 
ploying stimulants  that  are  pernicious  to  my  complaint.  Nay, 
in  everything  I  take  care  not  to  deviate  one  hair-breadth  from 


1558.]  MELAXCIITHON.  488 

the  doctor's  prescription,  except  that  in  my  burning  thirst  I  al- 
low myself  to  drink  a  little  more  copiously.  And  even  this  ex- 
cess I  impute  to  their  fault,  for  they  most  pointedly  exact  of 
me  to  drink  Burgundy  wine,  which  I  am  not  allowed  to  tem- 
per with  water  or  any  more  common  beverage.  Nay,  unless 
I  had  obstinately  protested,  they  wanted  to  "kill  me  outright 
with  the  heating  fumes  of  Malmsey  and  Muscat  wine.  But 
as  I  know  that  they  are  men  of  no  common  skill  in  their  pro- 
fession, persons  of  sound  good  sense  moreover,  and  experi- 
enced from  a  long  practice  of  their  art,  I  not  only  from  mo- 
tives of  politeness  pay  implicit  attention  to  their  orders,  but 
even  willingly  permit  myself  to  be  guided  by  such  masters. 
They  mix  my  wine  with  spleenwort  or  wormwood.  They 
fortify  my  stomach  by  fomenting  it  with  syrups  of  hyssop,  or 
elecampane,  or  citron  bark,  at  the  same  time  applying  to  it  a 
certain  pressure,  that  the  novelty  of  the  sensation  may  give 
greater  energy  to  the  remedy  and  cause  it  to  act  more  speedily. 
They  only  once  attempted  to  expel  the  bilious  humours  from  my 
spleen.  But  though  I  seem  now  to  be  abusing  your  leisure  mo- 
ments with  too  much  indifference,  and  in  dictating  these  details 
during  the  heat  of  the  fever,  I  was  not  very  judiciously  con- 
sulting my  own  health  ;  yet,  as  the  issue  of  my  complaint  is  still 
doubtful,  I  wished  to  assure  you  that  I  am  now  making  it  the 
principal  subject  of  my  meditation,  how  at  a  moment's  warn- 
ing I  may  be  prepared  to  meet  any  lot  which  God  intends 
for  me.  Meanwhile,  that  you  may  not  be  ignorant  of  what 
my  dangers  are,  know  that  it  is  currently  reported,  that  peace 
being  concluded  between  the  two  kings,1  the  whole  brunt 
of  the  war  will  be  directed  against  us,  that  whatever  expiation 
has  been  judged  necessary  may  be  ratified  by  our  blood. 
Know  also,  that  we  are  not  better  protected,  either  by  the 
distance  of  the  localities  or  by  fortifications,  than  if  we  had 
to  engage  in  a  conflict  in  the  open  field.  Philip's  territories2 
are  only  two  days'  march  from  our  gates.  The  king  is  still 
nearer,  whose  troops  could  reach  our  city  in  the  space  of  half- 

1  Henry  II  and  Philip  II. 

a  The  province  of  Franchecomte,  comprised  in  the  vast  possessions  of  the  Spanish 
monarchy. 


484  MELANCHTHON.  [1558. 

an-hour.  Whence  you  may  conclude  that  we  have  not  only 
exile  to  fear,  but  that  all  the  most  cruel  varieties  of  death  are 
impending  over  us,  for  in  the  cause  of  religion  they  will  set 
no  bounds  to  their  barbarity.  Wherefore  your  lot  should 
appear  to  you  less  bitter  if  disciples,  who  ought  to  have  re- 
paid to  your  olcl  age  what  they  owed  to  you,  now  hostilely 
attack  you,  a  man  who  had  discharged  with  the  highest  fidel- 
ity and  diligence  the  functions  of  a  teacher,  and  also  deserved 
the  highest  honours  from  the  whole  church  ;  when  you  see 
that  the  treatment  you  experience  is  common  to  you  with 
others,  and  particularly  with  myself;  for  it  is  scarcely  to  be 
believed  how  petulantly  and  unworthily  certain  brawlers 
assail  me.  The  partisans  of  Westphal,  though  they  hurl  their 
darts  from  a  distance,  nevertheless,  in  their  wickedness,  take 
far  more  impudent  liberties  with  me.  I  shall  not  for  all  that 
cease  to  press  towards  the  mark  at  which  I  had  begun  to  aim  ; 
in  the  controversy  respecting  the  Lord's  Supper,  not  only  your 
enemies  traduce  what  they  calumniously  style  your  weakness, 
but  your  best  friends  also,  and  those  who  cherish  you  with 
the  pious  feelings  which  you  deserve,  would  wish  that  the 
flame  of  your  zeal  burned  more  brightly,  of  which  we  behold 
but  some  feeble  sparks,  and  thus  it  is  that  these  pigmies  strut 
like  giants.  Whatever  happen,  let  us  cultivate  with  sincerity 
a  fraternal  affection  towards  each  other,  of  which  no  wiles  of 
Satan  shall  ever  burst  asunder  the  ties.  I  confess,  indeed, 
that  about  six  months  ago,  when  I  read  a  letter  of  your 
acquaintance,  Hubert  Languet,1 1  was  slightly  piqued  because 
he  reported  you  as  having  spoken  in  no  friendly,  or  rather 
in  a  contemptuous  manner  of  my  doctrine.  But  it  was  his 
design  to  flatter  Castalio,  and  to  have  his  ravings  approved  of 
by  your  suffrage — ravings  which  are  the  greatest  pest  of  our 
times.  But  by  no  slight  shall  my  mind  ever  be  alienated 
from  that  holy  friendship  and  respect  which  I  have  vowed  to 
you. 

1  Hubert  Languet,  a  French  diplomatist  and  political  wTitor,  settled  at  the  court  of 
the  Elector  of  Saxony.  We  have  from  his  pen  the  celebrated  book,  "  Vindicice  contra 
Tyrnnnos,"  (a  defence  against  tyrants,)  published  under  the  feigned  name  of  Marcus 
Junius,  and  a  correspondence  very  important  for  the  history  of  the  times. 


1558.]  THE   FRENCH    CHURCH   OF   STRASBOURG.  485 

Farewell,  most  illustrious  light  and  distinguished  doctor 
of  the  church.  May  the  Lord  always  govern  you  by  his 
Spirit,  preserve  you  long  in  safety,  increase  your  store  of 
blessings.  In  your  turn,  diligently  commend  to  the  protec- 
tion of  God,  us  whom  you  see  exposed  to  the  jaws  of  the 
wolf.  My  colleagues  and  an  innumerable-  crowd  of  pious 
men  respectfully  salute  you.  I  should  have  liked  exceed- 
ingly by  a  short  letter  at  least  to  mark  my  feelings  of  fra- 
ternal affection  for  your  most  excellent  son-in-law,  Gaspar 
Peucer,  not  less  distinguished  for  his  piety  and  elegant  genius 
than  his  skill  in  the  politer  letters — and  after  him  for  your 
most  faithful  and  accomplished  pastor,  M.  Paul  Eber,  both  of 
whom  I  deservedly  honour  on  account  of  their  virtues. 
[Lat.  minute — Library  of  Geneva.    Yol.  107  a.] 


DXX. — To  the  French  Church  of  Strasbourg.1 

Blames  the  deposition  of  a  minister. 

Geneva,  10fA  December  1558. 

The  love  of  God  our  Father  and  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Je- 
sus Christ  be  always  upon  you  by  the  communication  of  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

Dearly  beloved  Brethren, — Having  heard  in  the  first 
place  of  the  bickerings  and  strife  which  have  disturbed  ,your 
church,  and  afterwards  that  you  have  changed  your  pastor,  while 
at  the  same  time  Master  Peter  Alexandre  has  protested  to  us 

1  Letter,  without  an  address,  relating  to  the  deposition  of  the  minister  Peter  Alex- 
andre. A  letter  of  this  minister  to  Calvin  preserved  in  the  Library  of  Geneva, 
(vol.  112,)  and  dated  the  12th  October,  1555,  informs  ub  that  he  was  at  that  period 
pastor  of  the  French  Church  at  Strasbourg.  He  was  replaced  in  that  charge  in  the 
first  months  of  the  year  1559,  by  William  Olbrac,  formerly  minister  of  the  French 
congregation  of  Frankfort.  Of  a  conciliating  and  moderate  disposition,  Peter  Alex- 
andre had  made  attempts  to  disarm  at  Strasbourg,  the  intolerance  of  the  Ultra  Luthe- 
ran party,  represented  by  the  minister  Marbach.  It  was  the  triumph  of  this  party 
which  occasioned  the  deposition  of  Alexandre,  (December  1558,)  and  a  few  years 
later,  (1563,)  the  temporary  suppression  of  public  worship  in  the  parish  of  which 
Calvin  had  been  the  first  pastor.  See  Moeder,  Hist,  de  L'Eglise  Riformie  de  Strasbourg, 
in  8vo,  1853. 


486  THE   FRENCH   CHURCH    OF   STRASBOURG.  [1558- 

that  he  knew  not  why  he  had  been  deposed,  we  have  thought 
proper  to  send  you  a  word  or  two  of  admonition  which,  we 
trust  yon  will  receive  with  the  same  spirit  with  which  it  is 
given  ;  that  is  to  say,  that  as  we  proceed  with  Christian  zeal, 
straight -forwardness,  and  brotherly  affection,  you  too  on 
your  side  will  have  patience  to  give  us  a  hearing,  with,  such 
mildness  and  such  a  spirit  of  meekness  as  the  gospel  recom- 
mends. We  shall  not  make  use  of  many  arguments  to  prove 
that  it  is  a  confusion  which  tends  to  the  ruin  of  a  church, 
when  the  civil  magistrate  puts  forth  the  hand  of  absolute 
authority  in  the  election  and  deposition  of  a  minister.  But, 
inasmuch  as  he  is  often  forced  to  put  forth  this  authority,  in 
consequence  of  the  contentions  and  dissensions  which  arise 
and  bring  along  with  them  so  much  obstinacy  that  the  usual 
remedies  are  ineffectual,  experience  ought  to  teach  you  not  to 
allow  your  animosities  to  gain  such  an  ascendency  over  you 
in  future  as  to  give  rise  to  the  perversion  of  all  order.  There 
is  no  need  to  dwell  long  on  this  subject,  for  we  doubt  not 
but  each  of  you  perceives  how  great  the  evil  is  in  itself,  and 
in  the  consequences  which  it  engenders.  Nay,  it  is  not  at 
the  present  moment,  that  we  are  to  date  the  commencement 
of  the  dispersion  of  your  church,  and  thus  much  more  inexcu- 
sable are  those  who  have  been  the  criminal  cause  of  it.  We, 
therefore,  entreat  you  in  the  name  of  God  to  be  more  on  your 
guard  for  the  time  to  come,  in  order  to  defeat  the  wiles  of  Sa- 
tan, who  being  vanquished  by  the  evident  truth  and  clearness 
of  the  gospel,  which  God  has  introduced  into  the  world, 
ceases  not  to  pervert  all  ecclesiastical  discipline,  that  he  may 
expose  us  to  disgrace  and  defamation. 

With  respect  to  the  present  act,  if  it  is  such  as  our  brother 
Master  Peter  Alexandre  has  represented  it  to  us  ;  then,  with- 
out any  accusation  having  been  brought  against  him,  or  with- 
out assigning  a  single  reason,  has  he  been  debarred  from  his 
pulpit.  We  find  this  manner  of  proceeding  very  extraordi- 
nary, as,  in  fact,  it  is  impossible  to  excuse  it.  For  all  these 
reasons  we  have  not  wished  to  disguise  our  opinion  on  the 
subject,  and  our  sole  object  in  so  doing  is  that  you  may  de- 
liberate whether  there  was  any  fault  in  the  procedure,  and  if 


1558.]  THK    KING    OF    NAVARRE.  487 

so,  correct  it  in  order  to  take  away  all  motives  for  complaint, 
and  thus  put  an  end  to  scandals.  Not  that  it  is  our  intention 
to  occasion  you  the  least  prejudice  by  this  admonition,  but 
merely  in  order  to  acquit  ourselves  of  our  duty.  This  is  the 
substance  of  what  we  may  be  permitted  to  write  to  you  with- 
out mixing  ourselves  up  further  in  a  cause  with  which  we 
are  not  sufficiently  acquainted  ;  not  that  we  entertain  any 
doubts  of  your  integrity,  but  because  we  might  be  taxed  with 
too  much  inconsiderateness,  if  we  formed  a  more  decided  opin- 
ion without  being  informed  respecting  the  fact.  We  have  no 
wish  to  be  importunate  in  requesting  you  to  send  us  word 
exactly  how  the  matter  stands,  but  we  should  greatly  desire 
to  see  it  better  cleared  up  to  put  a  stop  to  many  reports.  In 
that,  of  course,  you  will  consult  your  own  discretion.  It  is 
enough  for  us  to  have  exhorted  you  in  a  brotherly  manner  to 
apply  all  your  pains  and  diligence  to  govern  the  church 
which  is  entrusted  to  your  care,  in  peace  and  concord,  to  pre- 
vent that  order,  which  should  be  maintained  inviolable,  from 
being  infringed  by  strife  and  debates.  For  you  are  aware 
that  the  spirit  of  meekness  should  keep  the  children  of  God 
in  doubt  and  modesty.  Whereupon,  beloved  brethren,  we 
will  pray  God  that  having  diminished,  or  rather  entirely  an- 
nihilated the  differences  which  have  but  too  much  seduced 
you,  he  would  maintain  you  under  his  guidance  and  protec- 
tion, cause  you  to  prosper  in  all  good,  and  increase  in  you 
the  gifts  of  his  Spirit,  to  the  end  that  his  name  may  be  glo- 
rified. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107.] 


DXXI. — To  the  King  of  Navarre.1 

Quarrels  of  two  ministers — persecutions  in  Spain — duties  of  the  king. 

Geneva,  10th  December  1558. 

Sire, — I  suppose  the  differences  that  have  taken  place  be- 

1  On  the  back,  in  an  unknown  hand,  "  To  tho   king  of  Navarre,  in  order  that  he 
may  not  take  offence  because  Master  Francis  his  minister  had  made  opposition  to 


488  THE    KINS   OF    NAVARRE.  [1558. 

tween  those  who  make  a  profession  of  serving  God  and  re- 
establishing the  pure  doctrine  of  the  gospel  have  troubled  and 
vexed  you,  for  it  is  a  temptation  difficult  to  surmount ;  I 
mean  for  those  who  are  well  inclined,  not  only  to  walk  in  the 
fear  of  the  Lord,  but  also  to  maintain  his  truth.  And  now-a- 
days,  when  the  strongest  and  the  most  constant  find  many 
obstacles  in  maintaining  the  combat  against  open  foes,  when 
the  evil  gains  strength  and  the  war  is  at  the  same  time  within 
ourselves,  if  we  were  not  fortified  by  God,  our  faith  would  of- 
ten and  very  speedily  be  shaken.  And,  though  I  confidently 
hope  that  that  has  neither  made  you  swerve  nor  cooled  your 
zeal,  yet  I  have  to  pray  you  to  deign  to  accept  the  excuses 
which  I  offer  to  you  in  favour  of  a  man  who  has  seemed  to 
you  too  harsh  and  austere.  Though  there  may  have  been 
some  excess  or  some  want  of  due  consideration  on  his  part, 
yet  the  zeal  he  has  displayed  in  the  service  of  God  deserves 
to  be  supported,  even  if  accompanied  by  these  defects.  I  am 
convinced,  Sire,  that  you  have  remarked  that  we  had  already 
long  before  sent  him  into  your  parts  to  supply  the  wants  of 
those  good  persons  who  were  hungering  for  the  bread  of  life. 
It  was  not  without  having  proved,  and  known  long  before- 
hand his  sufficiency  and  discretion.  "We  were  of  opinion  that 
as  he  had  begun  his  career  well  among  us,  so  he  was  carrying 
it  on  among  you,  striving  to  serve  God.  If  he  has  offended 
you,  Sire,  in  opposing  David,  and  drawing  away  from  him  all 
the  persons  that  he  could,  I  entreat  you  in  the  name  of  God 
to  weigh  well  his  reasons,  and  in   doing  so,  I  am  confident 

David,  that  he  would  suffer  the  said  Francis  to  remain  a  minister  in  his  country,  and 
that  he  would  approve  of  those  who  withdraw  from  superstitions,  giving  an  asylum 
to  those  who  have  been  persecuted  in  Spain,  and  encouraging  them  to  serve  God 
without  dissimulation." 

Some  misunderstandings  had  arisen  in  the  household  of  the  king  of  Navarre,  between 
his  chaplain  Peter  David,  an  ancient  Augustine  monk  secretly  bribed  by  the  Cardi- 
nals of  Bourbon  and  Lorraine  to  bring  back  this  prince  to  the  Catholic  faith,  and  the 
minister  Francis  Bois-Normand.  Respectful  towards  the  king,  but  incorruptible  in 
the  exercise  of  his  ministry,  the  latter  preferred  quitting  the  court  and  retiring  to 
Geneva  to  making  any  compromise  with  the  weaknesses  of  the  monarch,  or  the  guilty 
practices  of  his  chaplain.  Informed  of  what  was  passing  at  the  court  of  Nerac,  Cal- 
vin addressed  frank  exhortations  to  the  king  of  Navarre,  inviting  him  to  recall  his 
old  minister  and  to  shew  himself  more  resolute  in  the  service  of  God. 


1553.]  THE  KING  OF  NAVARRE.  489 

that  you  will  be  easily  appeased,  or  at  least  more  favourably 
disposed  towards  him.     I  am  forced  to  declare  to  you,  Sire, 
that,  besides  there  being  no  solidity  of  good  doctrine  in  Da- 
vid, he  is  full  of  overweening  self-conceit  and  vanity,  and  till 
he  have  learned  better  how  to  humble  himself  and  be  less  ta- 
ken up  with  his  own  person,  he  will  never  be  fit  for  the  ser- 
vice of  God.     For  which  reason  if  Master  Francis  advised 
those  whom  he  had  instructed,  and  who  had  confidence  in  him, 
to  turn  away  from  a  man  of  double  mind,  shaken  with  every 
wind,  and  whose  wish  it  was  to  make  them  halt  between  two 
opinions,  it  is  not  at  all  surprising,  and  I   entreat  you,  Sire, 
not  to  think  it  strange;  as  indeed  I  am  convinced,  that  though 
you  are  a  royal  prince  and  of  an  illustrious  house,  you  have- 
no  intention  and   would  by  no  means  desire,  that  to  please 
you,  people  should  offend  God  to  whom  great  and   small  are 
bound  to  be  subject.     With  regard  to  the  objections  which 
he  has  made  to  certain  ceremonies,  I  beg  of  you,  Sire,  to  con- 
sider attentively  how  much  reason  all  true  Christians  have- to 
hold  in  detestation  the  horrible  superstitions  in  which  we  have 
been  plunged,  and  you  will  easily  pardon  those  who  abhor 
everything  which  tends  to  bring  us  back  to  them,  so  as  to  avoid 
and  fly  from  them  as  much  as  possible.     I  know,  Sire,  that 
you    are  not  at  liberty  to  accomplish  all   that   you   could 
wish,  but  if  want  of  power  prevents  you  from  fully  acquitting 
yourself  of  your  duty,  I  entreat  you  not  to  restrict  to  the 
same  condition  as  yourself,  those  to  whom  God  has  given 
greater  strength,  and  not  to  force  their  consciences  when  they 
have  a  just  reason  and  grounds  for  abstaining  from  things  in 
which  they  think  it  unlawful  to  indulge.     True  it  is,  that  on 
their  side  they  ought  to  proceed  with  modesty,  and  while  they 
keep  themselves  pure  before  God,  not  to  allow  their  zeal  to 
hinder  them  from  obeying  you,  and  rendering  with  all  hu- 
mility that  submission  which  they  owe  you.     Only  let  them 
not  be  constrained  to  do  what  is  displeasing  to  God  and  con- 
trary to  his  word. 

The  man  with  whom  you  are  offended,  Sire,  is  come  here 
among  us.     We  have  admonished  and  exhorted  him  respect- 
ing those  things  which  we  conceived  to  be  good.     Now  inas- 
62 


490  THE   KING   OF   NAVARRE.  [1558. 

much  as  he  has  greatly  edified  the  church  of  God  in  your 
country,  and  his  labours  have  been  profitable,  I  shall  make 
bold  to  entreat  you  in  the  name  of  God  to  deign  to  permit 
him  to  continue  there  with  that  moderation,  which  we  are 
persuaded  he  will  observe.  I  trust  you  will  not  give  a  refu- 
sal to  this  request,  as  you  know  that  I  have  no  other  end  in 
view  in  making  it  than  that  you  should  perform  an  agreeable 
service  to  God — as  also  on  the  other  hand,  that  it  is  no  slight 
offence  to  put  obstacles  in  the  way  of  those  who  seek  to  ad- 
vance the  kingdom  of  God's  Son. 

The  bearer  of  this  letter,1  Sire,  in  consequence  of  some  pro- 
posals that  have  already  been  made  to  you,  has  undertaken 
this  journey  to  ascertain  more  clearly  your  favourable  dis- 
position ;  namely,  if  there  is  any  means  of  obtaining  a  place 
of  refuge  for  the  poor  people  who  are  said  to  be  persecuted 
in  Spain,  in  order  that  they  may  live  under  your  protection.2 
As  I  have  been  informed  that  you  are  already  well  inclined 
to  grant  such  a  favour,  I  shall  not  insist  on  that  point  any 
longer.  Only  I  certify  of  the  present  bearer,  that  he  has  lived 
among  us  here  like  a  Christian  and  one  who  desires  to  serve 
God.  And  I  have  no  doubt  that  wherever  he  shall  sojourn 
he  will  persist  in  well  doing.  I  have  thought  fit  to  give  this 
testimony  in  his  favour,  considering  the  malice  that  is  so 
prevalent  almost  every  where  in  our  times. 

For  the  rest,  Sire,  as  several  assaults  are  daily  directed 
against  you,  which  lead  you  into  many  evil  temptations — so 
much  the  more  it  behoves  you  to  put  forth  all  your  strength. 
For  when  the  honour  and  service  of  God  are  at  stake,  there  is 
no  excuse  for  timidity.  And  for  that  St.  Paul  teaches  us  that 
to  confess  openly  the  truth  of  Jesus  Christ,  we  have  not  re- 
ceived a  spirit  of  fear  but  of  boldness.     If  we  have  received  a 

1  The  minister  Peter  Villeroche. 

a  The  rigours  of  the  inquisition  in  the  Peninsula  brought  on  a  considerable  emigra- 
tion among  the  population  bordering  on  Navarre.  The  year  1552  saw  the  voluntary 
exile  of  a  great  many  Spanish  Lutherans,  intimidated  by  the  fires  of  persecution.  Of 
these  were  Cassiodore  de  Reyna,  John  Perez,  Julian  Hernandez,  and  Cyprian  de  Val- 
era.  The  first  two  chose  Geneva  for  their  retreat.  Geneva  saw  a  Spanish  congrega- 
tion formed  in  its  bosom,  with  Perez  for  its  pastor.  See  McCrie,  Hiatory  of  the  Re- 
formation in  Spain,  pattim. 


1558.]  THE   KING   OF   NAVARRE.  491 

little  portion  of  that  spirit,  enough  to  keep  us  from  too  much 
weakness,  let  us  pray  our  heavenly  Father,  who  is  abundantly 
rich  and  liberal  to  supply  what  is  wanting  to  us.  Even  in  a 
worldly  point  of  view  nothing  is  more  advantageous  for  you, 
Sire,  than  to  prepare  yourself  with  the  greatest  magnanimity, 
in  order  to  bear  yourself  with  constancy  when  necessity  shall 
require  it.  For,  however  you  keep  yourself  in  the  back- 
ground, God  will  put  you  forward  to  maintain  his  cause.  So 
arm  yourself  beforehand,  I  entreat  you,  Sire,  exercising  your- 
self in  the  word  of  God,  and  suffering  yourself  to  be  taught 
thereby  so  that  wealth,  honours,  high  rank,  royal  dignity, 
shall  not  prevent  you  from  bearing  the  yoke  of  Jesus  Christ, 
and  so  aspiring  to  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Whereupon,  Sire,  I  will  supplicate  our  heavenly  Father, 
that  he  would  be  pleased  to  display  his  power  iu  you,  and  fill 
you  with  his  Holy  Spirit,  having  you  under  his  protection,  and 
causing  you  to  flourish  in  all  prosperity.  Sire,  I  commend 
me  most  humbly  to  your  favour. 

[Fr.  copy. — Library  of  Geneva.    Vol.  107.] 


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